Pope Leo XIV strengthens the female presence in the Roman Curia with a new appointment
In a strategic move that reaffirms his commitment to equity and the participation of women in the ecclesiastical structure, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Irish religious sister Mary Teresa Barron as adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization. This body, fundamental to the governance of the Catholic Church and formerly known as Propaganda Fide, will benefit from Barron’s experience starting January 4, 2027.
The nun’s appointment is not limited to this role, as she will also assume the presidency of the Pontifical Mission Societies. Her work will focus specifically on the section dedicated to the First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches, key areas for the expansion and consolidation of the faith globally.
A trajectory in the service of the Church
Born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1968, Mary Teresa Barron possesses a solid background in the religious sphere. She currently serves as Superior General of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles and has notable prior experience as President of the International Union of Superiors General, which positions her as a key figure for this high-responsibility role.
The incorporation of Mary Barron into the Dicastery for Evangelization is one more step in the growing female representation in the governing bodies of the Catholic Church under the pontificate of Leo XIV.
Continuity in female leadership at the Vatican
This appointment is part of a trend that began in previous years, where female figures have assumed leadership positions in the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV has continued this vision, making important appointments since the beginning of his pontificate:
- Tiziana Merletti: Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- Alessandra Smerilli: Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
- Montserrat Alvarado: Will head the Dicastery for Communication, becoming the first lay woman to lead a Vatican dicastery.
These leaders join a group of women who already hold critical roles in the Vatican, such as Barbara Jatta at the Vatican Museums, Nathalie Becquart at the General Secretariat of the Synod, and Helen Alford at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. With the arrival of Barron, the Holy See continues to move toward a more diverse and representative administration in its senior management positions.
