ROME — On Monday, Pope Francis made a groundbreaking decision by appointing Sister Simona Brambilla as the first female prefect of a significant Vatican office, responsible for overseeing all the religious orders within the Catholic Church. This historic move aligns with Francis’ ongoing efforts to enhance the role of women in the governance of the church. Although some women have previously occupied deputy roles within Vatican offices, Brambilla’s elevation to the prefect position is unprecedented in the history of the Holy See Curia, the main governing body of the Catholic Church.
Vatican Media highlighted the significance of this appointment, announcing Brambilla as a trailblazer in the Vatican’s hierarchy. The role she assumes is vital, overseeing the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which manages various religious orders, including well-known ones like the Jesuits and Franciscans, as well as newer communities.
Brambilla’s appointment means she will supervise approximately 600,000 Catholic nuns globally, alongside 129,000 priests belonging to religious orders. This shift reflects a recognition of women’s vital contributions to the church, as Thomas Groome, a Boston College theology professor, remarked, “It should be a woman. Long ago it should have been, but thank God.” He emphasized that Brambilla’s appointment, though a minor step, symbolically paves the way for new possibilities within church leadership.
Groome also mentioned that the current structure allows for the potential elevation of Brambilla to the rank of cardinal. Cardinals are not required to be ordained priests, a fact that opens the door for such a possibility. However, indicating a cautious approach, Pope Francis appointed a male co-prefect, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, alongside Brambilla. The Vatican daily bulletin announced Brambilla as the primary leader, with Fernández cited as her counterpart, reflecting perhaps a belief that the role requires someone able to conduct Mass and other sacramental duties, traditionally held by men.
The initial thrill that Natalia Imperatori-Lee, a professor at Manhattan University, felt upon learning of Brambilla’s appointment was somewhat diminished by the news of a male co-prefect. She expressed concern that it is “ridiculous” to believe that a woman cannot independently lead a Vatican department, especially when men have historically governed both male and female religious communities without oversight from women.
Sister Simona Brambilla, 59, a member of the Consolata Missionaries, previously served as the second-in-command in the religious orders department since 2023 and takes over from Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, who is retiring. The opportunity for Brambilla’s appointment arose thanks to reforms instituted by Pope Francis in 2022, which opened the doors for laypeople and women to lead dicasteries.
Brambilla, who has both nursing and missionary experience in Mozambique, takes on significant challenges, notably the ongoing decline in the number of nuns worldwide. Recent Vatican statistics reveal a drop of approximately 10,000 nuns annually, decreasing from about 750,000 in 2010 to only 600,000 last year.
This appointment continues Francis’ efforts to exemplify the inclusion of women in leadership within the Catholic hierarchy, even as the question of female ordination remains contentious. While Catholic women have largely voiced concerns over their second-class status in a system that restricts priesthood to men, Francis maintains the ban on women priests and has limited discussion around the ordination of female deacons.
During his papacy, there has been an increase in the percentage of women working within the Vatican, rising from 19.3% in 2013 to 23.4% currently, according to Vatican News statistics. Specifically, the Curia now comprises 26% women in various roles such as Sister Raffaella Petrini, the first female secretary general, who oversees crucial sectors like healthcare and the Vatican Museums, led by Barbara Jatta. Other notable appointments include Sister Alessandra Smerilli, the second-in-command at the Vatican development office, and Sister Nathalie Becquart, who serves in the synod of bishops’ office.
