On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV took a significant step towards reforming the Vatican's communications operations by appointing Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new prefect of the Dicastery of Communications. Alvarado, a Mexican-American and the current president of EWTN News, replaces Paolo Ruffini in this pivotal role. The Dicastery oversees the Vatican's television, radio, online, publishing, and newspaper operations, managing one of the largest budgets among Vatican departments.
This appointment marks a notable shift in Vatican leadership, as it highlights the ongoing efforts to include diverse voices and perspectives within the Church's hierarchy. By choosing a layperson and a woman to lead a major department, Pope Leo XIV aligns himself with the initiatives put forth by Pope Francis, who has previously promoted several women to key positions within the Holy See, a structure predominantly led by male clergy.
Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, has expressed a desire to revamp the Catholic Church's overall communication strategy, particularly that of the Vatican. In support of this objective, he has convened a meeting of cardinals later this month to “reassess the effectiveness of ecclesial communication, including at the level of the Holy See, from a more explicitly missionary perspective," among other key matters.
Maria Montserrat Alvarado has a robust background in media and leadership, currently serving as the president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, the world's largest Catholic media organization. EWTN's Washington, D.C.-based operations encompass television, radio, online, and publishing services in seven languages. The organization is widely recognized for its conservative stance and includes branches such as the Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register, and ACI Group news agencies.
Born in Mexico City, Alvarado's previous experience includes being a news anchor at EWTN, as well as holding leadership roles at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, where she engaged in legal battles to protect religious freedoms in the United States. Her extensive experience in Catholic media makes her a fitting choice for this new position aimed at transforming Vatican communications.
Under Pope Francis's papacy, EWTN's programming has often showcased critiques of the Argentine pope from English-speaking commentators. Notably, in 2021, Pope Francis condemned such critical media as “the work of the devil,” remarks that many interpreted as directed specifically at EWTN.
The appointment of Alvarado and the strategic focus on improving communications come at a crucial time for the Church. It aims to reach a wider audience and convey a message that resonates in the contemporary world, while also encouraging a more inclusive approach within its own leadership structures.
