Vatican City – In a historic move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as the new head of the Vatican City State administration, marking the first time a woman has held this position. The appointment, which takes effect on March 1, 2024, is seen as a continuation of the Pope's efforts to increase the representation of women in senior roles within the Vatican.

Sister Petrini, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Vatican City State administration, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she has been responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Vatican City State, including the administration of the Vatican Museums, the post office, and the police force.

Pope Francis has praised Sister Petrini for her competence and leadership skills, and has expressed his confidence that she will be able to successfully lead the Vatican City State administration. He has also noted that her strong collaborative spirit will be an asset to the Vatican.

Sister Petrini's appointment is a significant step forward for women in the Catholic Church. It is a sign that Pope Francis is committed to increasing the role of women in the Church, and that he believes that women have the skills and experience necessary to lead and manage complex organizations.

Sister Petrini was born in Rome, Italy in 1969. She holds a doctorate in social sciences from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a master's degree in organizational behavior from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. She has worked at the Vatican since 2005, and has taught social science and economics at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Sister Petrini's appointment is a historic moment for the Vatican City State, and for the Catholic Church as a whole. It is a sign that the Church is moving towards a more inclusive future, where women are given the opportunity to use their gifts and talents to serve the Church and the world.