Vatican City – In a historic move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, as the first female prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated Life. The appointment, announced on January 6th, marks a significant milestone for women in the Catholic Church.

Sister Brambilla, who has served as undersecretary of the congregation since 2023, will oversee the lives of approximately 778,500 consecrated men and women worldwide, including nuns, priests, and brothers. The congregation, established in 2022, is responsible for promoting and coordinating the lives of consecrated persons and societies of apostolic life within the Latin Church.

Simultaneously, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, was appointed as pro-prefect of the congregation. While the Vatican press office has not elaborated on the specific role of the pro-prefect, it is understood that this appointment does not diminish the authority of the prefect.

Sister Brambilla, 60, holds a doctorate in psychology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and previously served as superior general of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Her appointment comes on the heels of her nomination as a member of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, highlighting Pope Francis' commitment to increasing women's participation in the Church's decision-making processes.

The Congregation for Consecrated Life plays a crucial role in the Catholic Church, offering guidance and support to consecrated persons and societies. Its establishment was a direct result of Pope Francis' apostolic constitution, Praedicate Evangelium, which sought to streamline the Roman Curia.

Sister Brambilla succeeds Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, who had led the congregation since 2011. Her appointment is seen as a bold step by Pope Francis to promote gender equality within the Catholic Church and to empower women to take on leadership roles.