Pope Francis appoints Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head the department responsible for consecrated life in the Church. He has been vocal about increasing women's visibility in leadership roles within the Vatican.
Key Points
Sister Simona Brambilla appointed as prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life
Pope Francis enacts reforms to allow laypeople, including women, to lead Vatican departments
Recognition of the importance of laypeople and consecrated men and women in the Church
Pros
Increasing women's visibility in leadership roles within the Vatican
Recognition of the essential contribution of laypeople and consecrated men and women
Cons
Maintaining the stance that holy orders are reserved for men