Pope Francis Appoints Sr. Raffaella Petrini as First Female Head of Vatican Governorate

Vatican City, January 20, 2025: In a historic decision, Pope Francis announced on Sunday that Sister Raffaella Petrini, currently serving as Secretary General, will become the President of the Vatican City State Governorate in March 2025. This appointment, which follows the retirement of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, marks the first time a woman will lead the administrative body responsible for governing the Vatican City State. The Holy Father announced this appointment during an interview with Fabio Fazio on the Italian TV channel Nove.

During the interview, Pope Francis emphasized the growing influence of women in the Vatican, stating, “The work of women in the Curia has progressed slowly but effectively. Now, we have many.” He added that “women manage things better than we do.” This appointment follows other significant advancements for women in the Church, including Sister Simona Brambilla’s appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life.

The Pope also addressed pressing global and social issues during the hour-long interview. Commenting on the possibility of a mass deportation of migrants from the United States by President Donald Trump, he said, “If this happens, it would be a disgrace because it makes the poor, who have nothing, pay the price for imbalance.”

Touching on migration, he reiterated the “four verbs” approach—welcome, accompany, promote, and integrate—and linked it to the challenge of declining birth rates, particularly in Italy. “If you don’t have children, you have to let migrants in,” he noted.

Regarding the Middle East, Pope Francis expressed hope for lasting peace amid the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas. He reiterated his support for a two-state solution, saying, “I believe it is the only solution. Peace is greater than war.”

Recalling his opening of the Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia prison as part of the Jubilee Year, he urged the public to “not forget prisoners, as many outside are more guilty than they are.”

Reflecting on the Holocaust ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, Pope Francis conveyed “a sense of pity and shame.” He also described abuse as “a very great evil” and called for continued efforts to combat it forcefully.

The Pope also emphasized the importance of supporting young people and being close to everyone, without idealizing or focusing too much on sins, especially those of the flesh.“It disgusts me when some in Confession always seek those [sins]," he said. "There is no sin that cannot be forgiven; none. God wants everyone with Him, as His children, and as brothers and sisters among ourselves."

As the conversation concluded, the Pope shared personal anecdotes, including a humorous recounting of his stumble in the Sistine Chapel after his election. He also encouraged the faithful to embrace the Holy Year and urged them to “not let this opportunity slip away.”

Sister Petrini’s appointment represents a milestone in the Vatican’s history, further signaling Pope Francis’ commitment to reform and inclusivity within the Church.

Courtesy: Vatican News