Pope Francis advanced women within a church that remains deeply patriarchal
One of Pope Francis’ most significant legacies is his elevation of women to high-level positions at the Vatican, in roles historically held only by men.
The appointments were heralded by some as monumental steps forward in an ancient institution defined by patriarchal power, while others criticized them as falling short of systemic change.
In February, Francis made the highest-ranking appointment of his papacy from his hospital bed, naming Sister Raffaella Petrini to a role akin to the governor of Vatican City.
Other notable appointments include Sister Alessandra Smerilli, an economist, to a senior position in a department of the Roman Curia, the Vatican’s governing body, that deals with development issues, and Sister Simona Brambilla became the first woman to lead a major Vatican department, overseeing the world’s Catholic religious orders.
He appointed Sister Nathalie Becquart as co-undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, preparing summits for the pope’s advisory body, and gave women the vote for the first time at synod summit meetings, expanding the body to include women as full members. By October 2024, there were nearly 60 women joining around 300 cardinals, bishops and priests in the synod.
Paloma Garcia Ovejero, who was the first woman to serve as the deputy head of the Holy See’s press office, said Francis’ move to assign more of the Vatican governing power to women was just the beginning.
“Of course, having a woman in charge of the town hall should be normal, but it isn’t. Of course, having women in top-level positions should be normal, but it isn’t. So elevating women in the church is only just starting, but there’s no turning back,” Garcia Ovejero said.
“We saw these amazing appointments,” Elizabeth Lev, a Rome-based art historian, said. “Really startling appointments.”
Lev said Francis’ moves reflect shifts in the wider society. “In many ways, what Pope Francis has done is simply taken these women — these religious sisters or lay women who have worked behind the scenes carrying an incredible burden on their shoulders — and given them the title,” Lev said.
“Finally gave them the spotlight they deserve,” Lev said. “And that is wonderful. And he chose women who are competent, women who are joyous.”
“Pope Francis’ legacy on the place of women in the church … is complex,” Anna Rowlands, a professor at Durham University in the U.K. and occasional Vatican adviser, told Reuters.
“He did more than any other pontiff to ensure that women are included in greater numbers and higher positions of authority,” Rowlands said. “Yet, most of that change was precisely within existing parameters, flexing the system (only) a little.”
Still, there are many limits to women’s role in the Catholic Church. Francis repeatedly reaffirmed that priestly ordination is “reserved for men” — and when the 135 male cardinals gather to elect the next pope during next month’s conclave, it will remain clear where the church’s powers lie.
