39-year-old American Montserrat Alvarado becomes first female head of Vatican Dicastery for Communications

Historic appointment in the leadership of the Holy See

The Vatican has made a fundamental change in the management of its information space by appointing a woman as head of the Dicastery for Communications. This role, previously held exclusively by men, will now be led by 39-year-old American Montserrat Alvarado. Her predecessor was Paolo Ruffini, whom Pope Leo XIV sent into retirement. It is worth noting that the new head is 31 years younger than her predecessor.

Staff structure and previous experience

Before receiving this position, Alvarado worked as a journalist at the Catholic media network EWTN. She now oversees a large organisational structure, which includes:

• Vatican Radio;
• the publishing house and printing press;
• video and photo services;
• internet resources;
• the Holy See press office.

In total, the new head will have to coordinate the work of more than 500 staff members.

Strategy and priorities of the new head

Montserrat Alvarado stated her intention to integrate traditional and digital communication formats. To illustrate her management approach, she cited the example of legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi, who restructured team operations and reassigned players to new positions.

The new head emphasised that she does not intend to impose her own vision on the audience but aims to carry out the tasks set by Pope Leo XIV. Among the key priorities, she highlighted the development of dialogue with the audience and coverage of topics that currently do not receive sufficient attention.