---
title: First lay woman appointed head of the Dicastery for Communication
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/first-lay-woman-appointed-head-of-the-dicastery-for-communication
published: 2026-11-03T21:48:41+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://christianpress.jp/maria-montserrat-alvarado/
organizations: Dicastery for Communication, EWTN News, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Vatican News, OSV News
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# First lay woman appointed head of the Dicastery for Communication

Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a 39-year-old laywoman, officially assumed the role of prefect of the Dicastery for Communication on November 1. She is the first non-clerical woman to lead a department within the Roman Curia. The appointment was made by Pope Leo XIV in June. Alvarado previously served as the president and chief executive officer of the American Catholic media network EWTN News. She will now oversee the Vatican's communication structure, a role that involves managing various media outlets and digital platforms. The Vatican News and the United States Catholic news agency OSV News reported on the transition.

Alvarado was born in Mexico City and studied at Florida International University and George Washington University. From 2009 to 2023, she held senior positions at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a US legal organization dedicated to defending religious freedom. Since 2023, she has led EWTN News, directing its international reporting operations across television, radio, print, digital media, and social networks in seven languages. Her background includes significant experience in managing diverse media formats and international audiences.

The Dicastery for Communication oversees Vatican News, Vatican Radio, the daily newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the Press Office, and publishing activities. It was established in 2015 following a reform of the communication structure initiated by Pope Francis. The department received its current name in 2018. Its creation integrated previously separate reporting, publishing, and broadcasting divisions to improve information dissemination in the digital age.

Her predecessor, Paolo Ruffini, a 70-year-old layman, became the first lay prefect of a Curial department in 2018. He led the integration and reform of the communication structure for eight years. At a farewell gathering on October 30, Alvarado expressed gratitude to the staff. She emphasized that the Vatican's communication work involves people with diverse languages, cultures, and vocations.

This appointment highlights the increasing participation of women in decision-making within the Roman Curia. Pope Francis had promoted the inclusion of women in senior Curial roles. In 2025, Sister Simona Brambilla became the head of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, opening the path for women to lead Curial departments. Alvarado's appointment extends this trend to lay women who are not consecrated.

Before taking office, Alvarado discussed the significance of leading Vatican communications in an era where digital and traditional media are merging. She stated that she would not impose her own agenda unilaterally but would listen to the Pope and various departments to serve the entire Church. EWTN, her former employer, has a strong support base among conservative US Catholic laity and has sometimes critically reported on Pope Francis's reforms. Alvarado has indicated that she prioritizes her Catholic faith and service to the Church over her political stance.