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 historic appointment marks the first time a woman has held this position in the Roman Curia under Pope Leo XIV. Sister Merletti, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, brings a wealth of experience, including a doctorate in canon law and previous service as superior general. This appointment reflects the growing trend of women in leadership roles within the Vatican, and the Dicastery oversees religious orders and societies of apostolic life.
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 2 3 4 5 7 8 9. The appointment, announced on May 22, 2025, marks the first top-level official appointment made by the new Pope 1 3 7. Sister Merletti will serve as "number two" to Prefect Sister Simona Brambilla 1.
This appointment is significant as it places two women in the highest positions of leadership within the Dicastery 2 4. The Dicastery's leadership also includes Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as Pro-Prefect, highlighting a collaborative leadership model 2. The appointment continues a trend of increasing female leadership within the Vatican, especially after Pope Francis' decree that laypeople and women could lead dicasteries 4 5. Women represent the vast majority of religious, with nearly 600,000 professed women religious compared to approximately 50,000 religious brothers 1 3 7 8 9.
Born in Pineto, Italy, on September 30, 1959, Sister Tiziana Merletti made her first religious profession with the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1986 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9. She holds a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9. From 2004 to 2013, she served as Superior General of her religious institute 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9. Currently, she teaches canon law at the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome and collaborates with the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) as a canonist 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9.
The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is responsible for promoting, encouraging, and regulating the practice of the evangelical counsels 3 7 8 9. It oversees how these counsels are lived out in approved forms of consecrated life and addresses matters concerning the life and activity of Societies of Apostolic Life throughout the Latin Church 3 7 8 9.
The UISG has expressed its gratitude to Pope Leo XIV and congratulated Sister Merletti on her appointment 3 7 8 9. The UISG recognizes Sister Merletti's contributions to their global network, particularly in promoting justice, care, and integrity in consecrated life 3 7 8 9. This appointment is seen as another step towards reshaping the culture of Vatican governance, placing women in strategic decision-making positions 2.
What is the Church's understanding of women's role?
While Pope Leo XIV can appoint a woman as Secretary of a Vatican Dicastery, the specific Dicastery would determine the scope and nature of her responsibilities.
Here's what the available resources indicate:
General Structure of a Dicastery: Each Dicastery is typically headed by a Prefect, assisted by a Secretary and Under-Secretaries . These officials, both clerics and laypersons, are chosen from different regions of the world .
Possible Roles for Women: The Secretary of a Dicastery can be a layperson . Religious sisters contribute significantly to the Church through various forms of apostolate, often characterized by being discreet, compassionate, and focused on the needs of individuals .
Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life: This Dicastery is concerned with the progress of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in following Christ . It helps these institutes to pursue their goals and contribute to the Church's mission . Within this Dicastery, a secretariat exists for the Ordo virginum . This secretariat collects data, notes comments from Bishops, and serves as a reference point for initiatives concerning the Ordo virginum . Consecrated women can assist this secretariat .
Dicastery for Evangelization: The Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches within this Dicastery works with Bishops, Episcopal Conferences, and Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life to foster missionary vocations .
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: The Congregation is led by a Cardinal Prefect, and includes a Secretary, Undersecretary, officials, and consultors appointed by the Pope . The consultors are experts from around the world . The Secretary assists with the overall operation of the Congregation .
In summary, Pope Leo XIV has the authority to appoint Sister Tiziana Merletti as Secretary of a Vatican Dicastery. Depending on the specific Dicastery, her responsibilities could range from assisting in the overall operation, fostering missionary vocations, or supporting the growth and recognition of specific forms of consecrated life like the Ordo virginum.