Pope Leo XIV addressed a significant technical issue that arose from Pope Francis's groundbreaking appointment of the first woman to lead the Vatican City State administration. On Friday, Leo amended a 2023 law to eliminate the stipulation that the president of the Vatican City State administration had to be a cardinal, highlighting an evolving attitude towards leadership roles within the Vatican.
In February 2022, Pope Francis appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini, a 56-year-old Italian nun, as the president of the Vatican City State. This milestone not only marked the first time a woman has held such a position but was also part of a broader effort by Francis throughout his 12-year papacy to enhance the representation of women in high-level decision-making roles within the Vatican. Sister Raffaella's role encompasses oversight of the administration for the 44-hectare (110-acre) territory situated in the heart of Rome, making her appointment particularly noteworthy.
However, Petrini's historic appointment led to unforeseen technical and legal complications. Previously, all individuals in this leadership position had been cardinal priests, which meant that her absence from certain cardinal-only meetings became an issue. For instance, during the closed-door meetings of cardinals in spring leading up to May conclave that elected Leo, Petrini was not invited to present the economic status report of the Vatican City State—a task typically undertaken by the cardinal-president.
To rectify this situation, Pope Leo modified the law to allow a non-cardinal to serve as the president of the Vatican administration. In doing so, he indicated that Petrini's appointment should be viewed as part of a trend rather than a singular event. Leo articulated that governance within the territory is a form of service and responsibility that should enhance the sense of communion within the church hierarchy. He emphasized that shared responsibility is crucial as the complexities and demands of governance continue to evolve.
As the head of the Vatican City State commission, Sister Raffaella Petrini oversees major revenue sources that sustain the Holy See's finances, including the Vatican Museums. Her responsibilities also extend to managing infrastructure, telecommunications, and healthcare within the city state. Furthermore, she is responsible for approving laws that govern the territory, along with annual budgets and financial accounts—critical components of Vatican City’s operations.
Despite these advancements for women within the Vatican's administrative structure, the Catholic Church continues to reserve the priesthood exclusively for men. Although strides have been made towards elevating women to prominent management positions during Pope Francis's tenure, there remains no indication of changes to the all-male hierarchy's rules concerning ministerial ordination for women.
