Raffaella Petrini becomes the first female head of government in the Vatican City!

Raffaella Petrini becomes the first female head of government in the Vatican City!

The Vatican City is recording a historic moment: Sister Raffaella Petrini (56) becomes the first woman to head the government in the Vatican City. This significant appointment will be effective March 1, 2025. Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized due to health problems, announced the decision during an Italian television talk show. Petrini, who was born in Rome and has a doctorate in social sciences, has served as Secretary General and Deputy Head of Government in the Vatican's “Governatorate” since 2021. These steps are part of Pope Francis' ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of women in the church, reported kathpress.at.

Petrini's appointment also comes in the context of an important transition, as her predecessor, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, reaches retirement age on March 1. Petrini will not only be number one in the small Papal State, but will also take on a key role in the structure of the Vatican. Her previous responsibilities include participation in the Curia Authority for Bishops, where she actively votes on global bishop appointments. This position underscores the growing influence of women in the Vatican, as demonstrated by the recent appointment of Sister Simona Brambilla to head a major Vatican agency, which has reignited the discussion about women in senior church positions zeit.de reported.