U.S. executive becoming first laywoman to head Vatican ministry
Summary
Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a 39-year-old Mexican American media executive, is taking over the Vatican’s communications department. She is the first laywoman and the first non-Italian to lead the department, which oversees the Vatican’s media operations and press office.Key Facts
- Alvarado’s appointment was announced in June and takes effect this week.
- Pope Leo XIV appointed Alvarado directly; she said she did not apply through a standard process.
- Alvarado has led EWTN News as president and chief operating officer since 2023.
- Before joining EWTN, Alvarado worked for 14 years at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
- EWTN News produces content in seven languages across television, print, radio, digital media and social networks.
- Alvarado succeeds Paolo Ruffini, who led the department from 2018 and was the first layperson to head a Vatican dicastery.
- The Vatican communications department oversees its television, radio, print operations and press office.
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