Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as the secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This appointment is historic, marking the first time a woman has held this high-level position within the Roman Curia. Sister Merletti, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, previously served as superior general and holds a doctorate in canon law. This decision reflects the increasing role of women in leadership within the Vatican and is celebrated by various religious organizations.
15 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as the new Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life 1 3. This marks Pope Leo XIV's first top-level appointment within the Roman Curia 1 8. The Vatican officially announced the appointment on May 22, 2025 1.
Sister Tiziana Merletti, 65 (or 66 according to some sources 2 3), was born in Pineto, Italy 1 2 3 8. She is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor 1 2 5 6. She earned a degree in civil law in 1984 and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome in 1992 2 3 8. From 2004 to 2013, she served as Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor 1 2 3 5 8. At the time of her appointment, she was teaching canon law at the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome and serving as a canon law expert with the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) 1 2 5 6 8.
The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is responsible for matters concerning the practice of evangelical counsels and the activities of Societies of Apostolic Life within the Latin Church 1 5 6 8. According to Vatican statistics, there are approximately 600,000 professed women religious in the Catholic Church, along with around 128,500 religious-order priests and nearly 50,000 religious brothers 1 5 6. Sister Merletti will report directly to Sister Simona Brambilla, who Pope Francis appointed as Prefect of the Dicastery in January 2 3. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime serves as the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery 8.
The appointment of Sister Merletti is seen as a continuation of the trend of increasing women's leadership in the Vatican, which gained momentum under Pope Francis 2 3. Pope Francis' apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium (2022) allowed laypeople, including women, to lead dicasteries 2 3. The UISG thanked Pope Leo XIV and congratulated Sister Merletti, noting her contributions to justice, care, and integrity in consecrated life 1 5 6. They also assured her of their prayers as she takes on this new role 1 5 6.
What is the Church's understanding of women in leadership?
While Pope Leo XIV can appoint individuals to various roles within the Vatican Dicasteries, it's important to understand the functions of these Dicasteries and the roles women currently hold in the Church.
Dicasteries are essentially departments within the Roman Curia, the administrative institutions of the Holy See. They assist the Pope in governing the Church . One such Dicastery is the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees matters related to religious orders and societies . This Dicastery promotes the practice of evangelical counsels and regulates the life and activities of societies of apostolic life . It also handles the approval, establishment, and any changes to these institutes .
The Church recognizes the indispensable contributions women make, and there is a growing emphasis on creating more opportunities for women in various roles . Women have historically played decisive roles in the Church, from foundresses of religious orders to influential figures in evangelization and education . The Church seeks to recognize and utilize the gifts and talents of both men and women to make its mission effective .
While the possibility exists for Pope Leo XIV to appoint a woman like Sister Tiziana Merletti as Secretary of a Dicastery, it's essential to consider the specific functions and responsibilities of the role. The Church is actively exploring how women can have a more incisive presence and impact in leadership and decision-making roles . The appointment of women to such positions aligns with the Church's call for greater recognition and utilization of women's gifts in its mission of evangelization .