In a historic move that further elevates the role of women in Vatican leadership, Pope Francis has appointed two secretaries-general to serve under Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, in the Governorate of Vatican City State. This decision grants the Vatican’s first female president significant authority over her newly appointed aides, allowing her “the power to dispose and confer… specific competencies or particular tasks” on them, according to the Vatican’s official announcement.
The Holy See confirmed the appointments of Archbishop Emilio Nappa and layman Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi as joint secretaries-general of the Vatican City State’s governing body. Their nomination follows Sister Petrini’s own groundbreaking appointment as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State on February 15. She is the first woman and non-cardinal to assume these roles, making her one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican’s history. She will officially assume her new duties on March 1.
Pope Francis’ decision reinforces his ongoing commitment to increasing the presence of women in key leadership positions within the Church. The Vatican’s statement explicitly noted that Petrini has been granted “the power to dispose and confer, appropriately, on the aforementioned secretaries-general, specific competencies or particular tasks,” granting her considerable discretion in assigning responsibilities to her two newly appointed aides.
A Shift in Vatican Governance
Under Vatican law, the secretary-general assists the president in her functions and acts as her substitute when necessary. The position carries a five-year term and takes on additional responsibilities during a sede vacante, the period following a pope’s resignation or passing. During such times, the secretary-general “shall take care of the ordinary government of the office, and, following the provisions in force for the sede vacante, shall take care of its current affairs.”
Archbishop Emilio Nappa brings extensive experience to his new role, having served as president of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 2022. He has also worked as the adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization in the section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches. The 52-year-old Naples native holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and previously worked in the general affairs section of the Vatican Secretariat of State.
Meanwhile, Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, 58, has spent over a decade in the Vatican’s governorate, most recently as vice secretary-general since 2021. The lawyer was previously the head of the juridical office of the governorate, giving him a deep understanding of the legal and administrative functions of Vatican governance.
A Historic Papal Appointment Amid Health Concerns
The news of these appointments comes as Pope Francis continues to recover from multiple respiratory infections, including double pneumonia. Despite his hospitalization, the pontiff has remained engaged in light work duties. According to Vatican reports, he received Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the Holy See’s Substitute for General Affairs, in his hospital room on February 24—his 11th day in treatment.
Pope Francis has long been a champion of increasing women’s roles within the Church’s hierarchy. With Sister Petrini assuming leadership over the Governorate of Vatican City State and the addition of two secretaries-general to assist her, the Holy Father’s commitment to a more inclusive and diverse leadership within the Vatican is evident. These appointments mark another step forward in his vision for a Church that embraces both tradition and renewal.
