Pope Leo XIV appoints Maria Montserrat Alvarado to lead Vatican communications

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, effective November 1. This marks the first time a laywoman—a woman who is not a nun—has been appointed to lead such a department within the Roman Curia. Born in Mexico and currently serving as president of EWTN News, Alvarado will succeed Paolo Ruffini, who is retiring. The Dicastery for Communication oversees the Vatican’s global press, radio, and television operations, as well as its digital news outlets. The appointment is presented by the Vatican as a continuation of the reform process for the Roman Curia initiated by the late Pope Francis. Previously, in early 2025, Pope Francis had appointed Sister Simona Brambilla and Sister Raffaella Petrini to high-ranking administrative roles within the Holy See. These appointments are described as part of a long-term effort to increase the role of women in the Vatican's administrative hierarchy.