Who is Raffaella Petrini, woman to lead the Vatican Governatorate for the first time in history

Pope Francis announced the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as the head of the Vatican government during an Italian talk show “Che tempo che fa”, Kazinform News Agency reports, citing Vatican News.

Pope Francis plans to appoint Sister Raffaella Petrini as President of the Vatican Governatorate in March. For the past 96 years since the establishment of the city-state, this position has been held exclusively by men. The President of the Governatorate serves as the de facto head of government, managing affairs on behalf of the Pope.

The appointment will take place after Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, who turns 80 on March 1, 2025, retires from his position as President of the Governatorate, and Sister Petrini will succeed him.

Sister Petrini earned a doctorate in Social Sciences from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome and a Master of Science in organizational behavior from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

She teaches sociology and economics at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas. She served as an official at the Congregation for the Evangelization from 2005.

Since 2021, Petrini has held the role of Secretary General of the Vatican Governorate, overseeing departments such as the Vatican Museums, post office, and police force.

Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported that, with the goal of achieving a "zero deficit" budget, the Vatican is expected to reduce the monthly salary of its highest cardinals by 500 euros.