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Pope Leo XIV Opens Vatican Leadership to Women, Lay Leaders

11/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV amended the Vatican Fundamental Law to let women and non-cardinals lead the Vatican City administration.
The motu proprio was signed on Wednesday and published on November 21, 2025.
The change follows Pope Francis's appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as secretary-general, despite a 2023 cardinal restriction.
The modification updates Article 8 n. 1, allowing lay individuals to serve as president of the Pontifical Commission, addressing Vatican governance complexities.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV amended the Vatican Fundamental Law to let women and non-cardinals lead the Vatican City administration.
The motu proprio was signed on Wednesday and published on November 21, 2025.
The change follows Pope Francis's appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini as secretary-general, despite a 2023 cardinal restriction.
The modification updates Article 8 n. 1, allowing lay individuals to serve as president of the Pontifical Commission, addressing Vatican governance complexities.