Pope Francis advanced women within a church that remains deeply patriarchal

VATICAN CITY — 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.

VATICAN CITY — 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.

Sister Simona Brambilla, center.Grzegorz Galazka / Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images fileItalian Sister Alessandra Smerilli with Belgian Bishop Luc Van Looy in 2018.Andreas Solaro / AFP via Getty Images fileHe 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.