First laywoman takes reins at Vatican communications

RTÉ News · RTÉ News · 2026-11-02 13:22 UTC

A US media executive has become the first laywoman to lead a Vatican ministry.

Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a 39-year-old US media executive, becomes the new head of Vatican communications this week, the first laywoman to head a Vatican ministry.

She today officially assume office as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.

The Mexican-American will also be the first non-Italian to lead the vast department overseeing all of the Vatican's television, radio and print operations, as well as its press office.

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