Pope Leo Names Maria Alvarado First Lay Woman to Lead Vatican Communications, Starting Nov. 1
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 2
Pope Leo Names Maria Alvarado First Lay Woman to Lead Vatican Communications, Starting Nov. 1
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 2
Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a Mexico City-born U.S. citizen and current EWTN News president, will take over the Vatican communications dicastery on Nov. 1 as Paolo Ruffini retires.
The role oversees the Vatican’s news site, radio, newspaper, press office, publishing house and film library, putting the first nonreligious woman prefect in charge of one of the Holy See’s most visible departments.
Leo’s choice signals continuity with Pope Francis, who expanded women’s roles in Vatican governance and created the communications department in 2015 while pushing a less formal, more accessible message.
The appointment also fits Leo’s broader review of church messaging ahead of a late-June meeting with cardinals to reassess how Vatican communication can serve a more explicitly missionary mission.
Does appointing a female media executive signal a true power shift within the Holy See's ancient leadership structure?
With new Asian leaders and a CEO in charge, how is the Vatican's global message being reshaped?
How will the Vatican's new chief use a papal encyclical to combat the ethical dangers of Artificial Intelligence?
Vatican Appoints Maria Montserrat Alvarado to Head Communications: Lay Leadership and Media Reform Under Pope Leo XIV
Overview
Maria Montserrat Alvarado has been appointed to lead Vatican Communications, marking a significant step in the Vatican's commitment to modern and effective communication strategies under Pope Leo XIV. With her extensive experience at EWTN, where she earned trust and respect, Alvarado is highly regarded within Catholic media circles. Her new mission focuses on serving Pope Leo XIV and his pontificate, aiming to enhance the Vatican's global outreach and engagement. Supported by EWTN and surrounded by a collaborative spirit, Alvarado's leadership signals a new chapter for the Holy See's efforts to share its message with the world.