How Pope Francis promoted women within the church

The death of Pope Francis concludes a chapter in church history that supported women’s leadership incrementally. What now? asks Bronagh Ann McShane

April 24, 2025| Times21 min read
Photo: Barbara Provenza on UnsplashPhoto: Barbara Provenza on Unsplash

Pope Francis appointed more women to leadership roles in the Vatican than any pope before him. He challenged entrenched traditions within the Roman Catholic church to bring women into positions once deemed categorically off limits by an institution historically dominated by men.

A prime example is Sister Raffaella Petrini, who became the first woman to serve as secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City State – the executive of Vatican City State. This is the highest ranking role ever held by a woman in the Catholic church.

Read the full story at Times2.

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