Rome – In a groundbreaking move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, marking the first time a woman has held such a high-ranking position within the Roman Curia.
At 59, Brambilla, a member of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, becomes the highest-ranking woman in the Vatican’s history. She will lead the Vatican department responsible for overseeing religious communities globally—an important role that was traditionally filled by male cardinals and archbishops. Her appointment signifies a major step toward gender equality in the Church.
Born in Monza, Italy, in 1965, Brambilla’s religious and academic journey reflects years of service and leadership. After joining the Consolata Missionary Sisters in 1988, she earned a Licentiate in Psychology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1998, which led her to work in Mozambique in youth ministry. From 2002 to 2006, she taught at the university before being elected Superior General of the Consolata Missionary Sisters in 2011, a role she held until 2023.
Brambilla’s previous position as Secretary of the same Dicastery, appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, paved the way for her current role as Prefect. Her appointment follows a broader trend of the Pope increasing the presence of women in key Vatican positions, including the appointments of Sister Raffaella Petrini and Barbara Jatta to significant roles.
The Pope’s 2022 Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium has been instrumental in opening doors for laypeople, including women, to assume leadership roles in the Vatican, signaling Francis’ ongoing commitment to a more inclusive Church.
Sister Brambilla’s appointment is not only a historic moment for women in the Vatican but also a reflection of Pope Francis’ vision for a more diverse and representative Roman Curia.
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