Pope Francis appointed Sister Rafaella Petrini (56), a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, as Minister of the Vatican City State administration on the 15th (local time), according to Vatican News.
Sister Petrini will assume the role of Minister of the Vatican City State administration, succeeding Cardinal Fernando Verhes Alsaga, who will retire at the age of 80 next month on the 1st.
The appointment of a woman to the highest position in the Vatican City State administration marks the first time in the history of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican City State administration is responsible for operating various departments, including the Vatican Museums, post office, and police station.
Sister Petrini was appointed Secretary General of the Vatican City State administration in November 2021, the first woman to hold that position. This role oversees administrative duties in support of the Minister of the Vatican City State administration, ranking second in the Vatican City's administrative hierarchy.
The percentage of women working in Vatican entities is at about 26%.