Sr Raffaella Petrini has been named as the new head of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State. Source: Vatican News.
The appointment will follow the retirement of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga from his role as president of the Governatorate.
In an interview that aired on Italian television on Sunday, Pope Francis announced the news of his intention to appoint Sr Petrini, the Governatorate’s current secretary general, as president.
He also expressed sorrow over the prospect of mass deportations of migrants in the United States, joy at the truce in Gaza, and his hope for a two-state solution.
The Pope discussed welcoming migrants, the ongoing Jubilee, his decision to open a Holy Door in a prison in Rome, efforts to combat abuse, and his personal health.
Sunday’s hour-long conversation also served as an opportunity to present his autobiography, Hope, curated by journalist Carlo Musso, published by Mondadori, and available in 100 countries.
The Pope described the work of writing his autobiography as “very delicate,” comprising numerous stories that “convey a sense of who I am.”
He reassured viewers about the condition of his inured arm, saying, “It’s moving better.”
Francis then announced that, starting in March, Sr Petrini will become president of the Vatican Governatorate.
This marks another significant appointment of a woman to a prominent role, following Sr Simona Brambilla’s appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life.
“The work of women in the Curia has progressed slowly but effectively. Now, we have many,” the Pope said.
Listing roles assigned to women in the Vatican, he added: “At the Governatorate, the secretary general, who will become president in March, is a nun … Women manage better than we do,” he said.
Pope Francis responded to a question about the United States amid rumours of a potential mass deportation plan for migrants following President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Pope described such an eventuality “a disgrace” because “it makes the poor who have nothing pay the price for imbalance”.
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Pope Francis: A woman will head the Vatican Governatorate (Vatican News)
