Pope Names First Lay Woman to Head Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication
Pope Francis has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the first lay woman to lead a Vatican dicastery, naming her head of the Dicastery for Communication. She is scheduled to take up the post on November 1.
Pope Francis has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, making her the first lay woman to lead a Vatican department. According to reports from India and Western outlets, the appointment is presented as part of Pope Francis’ efforts to modernize the Church and increase women’s roles. Alvarado is president of the Catholic media outlet EWTN News, according to Hindu, and is CEO of a Catholic television network, according to France24. Hindu reported that she was born in Mexico City and studied in the United States. She is set to assume her new position on November 1, according to Hindu.
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