Pope Leo Appoints First Laywoman to Head Vatican Ministry

Published on November 2, 2026

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, making her the first laywoman to lead a department of the Roman Curia.

Alvarado, a Mexican-born American media executive, officially assumed office on Sunday, November 1, 2026, succeeding Paolo Ruffini, who held the position for eight years.

Before her appointment, Alvarado served as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, the news division of the Eternal Word Television Network, since 2023.

The Dicastery for Communication oversees the Vatican’s media operations, including Vatican News, its radio station, newspaper, press office, publishing house and other communication services.

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Her appointment is considered a significant development in women’s participation in senior Vatican leadership, although women religious had previously headed other Vatican departments.

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