Pope promotes Italian nun to top migrant role in his first major appointment of a woman to Holy See
Summary
Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli as the head of the Vatican office dealing with migrants, the environment, and development. This is the first major appointment of a woman to a high position in the Vatican hierarchy.Key Facts
- Sister Alessandra Smerilli is an Italian economist and was the number two leader of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
- She replaces Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, who is retiring soon.
- Pope Leo XIV is continuing the practice of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by promoting women to top positions in the Vatican.
- A Mexican-American woman, Maria Montserrat Alvarado, was recently named head of Vatican communications.
- Cardinal Fabio Baggio was simultaneously named “pro-prefect” of the same office to fulfill roles needed for ordained priests.
- The Vatican reserves the priesthood for men, which limits how many roles women can hold despite their extensive work in the Church.
- Cardinal Baggio will also lead an environmental education center near Rome linked to the Vatican.
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