‘Women Manage Better’—While Hospitalized, Pope Francis Appoints First-Ever Female President in the Vatican
Pope Francis is arguably one of the most progressive popes to lead the Catholic Church. His position on LGBTQ+ people shook up centuries of negative views of the community. Admittedly, he still makes missteps when discussing certain topics. However, the Pope is also leading a charge to give women more power in the Catholic Church. Before his hospitalization due to double pneumonia, Pope Francis took steps to bring more women to leadership roles.
Pope Francis appointed an Italian nun to be the President of the Vatican Governorate
Sister Raffaella Petrini is the first woman appointed President of the Vatican Governorate. She officially starts her new role on March 1, 2025. Sister Petrini’s appointment represents a major cultural shift for the Vatican and a continuing trend for Pope Francis.
Women have never been placed in lead roles within the Vatican’s ranks, and the Pope said he would change that. Women have previously been appointed to No. 2 spots throughout the Vatican. Yet, this position is pushing for more inclusion of women in important roles at the Holy See. Reflecting societal changes, Pope Francis has long welcomed more women taking bigger roles.
“At the Governorate, the Secretary-General, who will become President in March, is a nun… Women manage better than we do,” Pope Francis said about his decision to appoint Sister Pertini.
President of the Vatican Governorate is one of the highest positions at the Vatican
Sister Petrini is the highest-ranking woman ever in the Vatican; her new role comes with great responsibility. As the President of the Vatican Governorate, Sister Petrini will oversee the governance of Vatican City. This includes managing the daily operations and policies in accordance with the directives of the Holy See. The Governorate is responsible for various aspects of Vatican City’s administration, including security, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
Sister Petrini is the second woman Pope Francis has promoted into a leadership role
The Pope appointed the first woman to a leadership position at the Vatican earlier this year. Sister Simona Brambilla, another Italian nun, was appointed Prefect for the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The position is responsible for “every “religious order, from the Jesuits and Franciscans to the Mercy nuns and smaller newer movements,” according to PBS.
Sister BrambilBrambilla’slso makes her the lead for the 600,000 Catholic nuns and 120,000 Catholic priests worldwide.
Pope Francis is still hospitalized but conducting important business
Despite double pneumonia, the Pope has conducted important business. According to the Associated Press, the Pope met with an audience and approved decrees, an important part of the papacy business. The decrees bestowed sainthood on two people while starting beatification for five people. Beatification is the first step towards sainthood for individuals.
The Pope has been in the hospital since February 14, 2025, with double pneumonia. The church has guarded the prognosis but has signaled to the world that the Pope is in stable condition and slightly improving. However, he is still listed in critical condition, with parishioners around the world praying for his recovery.
