SortAnd someone still had some doubts that, Pope Leone XIVwould not have carried out the reform started by Francesco, towards the female inclusion in the leaders of the Vatican Curia, today it will have to be convinced. The Pope has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as secretary of the Dicastery for institutes of consecrated life and the Apostolic Life Companies, An organism that supervises religious life all over the world. A clear confirmation of the will to strengthen the role of women in Government of the Church.
Pope Leo XIV follows Francis on women in the Church
In the last centuries, it has been clearly seen that The Vatican structure was characterized by a clear male predominance Which guaranteed the cardinals and high prelates the exclusive management of ecclesiastical institutions, leaving women with marginal roles within the church. A rigidity thathowever,, started to falter with the arrival of Bergoglio, which has broken taboos millennials. Leone XIV, from the first words and the first facts, seems to want to carry on and consolidate the reforms introduced by Francesco.
Who is Sister Tiziana Merletti
Born on 30 September 1959 in Pineto, in the province of Teramo, Sister Tiziana Merletti embarked on the religious journey in 1986, Entering the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the poor. His academic training is solid: degree in Law at the University of Teramo in 1984, doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Lateran University in 1992. From 2004 to 2013, he held the role of superior general of his religious institute, demonstrating leadership and management skills. Currently, he is a professor at the Faculty of Canon Law of the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome and collaborates with the International Union of the Superior Generali.
Sister Tiziana Merletti enters the leaders of the Dicastery for the institutes of consecrated life, strengthening the female presence in ecclesiastical governance
A strategic department for religious life
The appointment of Sister Merletti as a secretary to the Dicastery for the institutes of consecrated life and the apostolic life companies, which supervise the religious life of almost one million consecratedbelonging to different orders and congregations, adds a female figure in an important position, contributing to an increasingly inclusive and representative management.
Women in the Vatican leaders: a structural change
To start, in fact, from Sister Raffaella PetriniSecretary General of the Vatican Governorate, passing through Sister Alessandra Smerillieconomist and teacher, who played a key role in the Dicastery for the service of full human development, arriving at Sister Merlettiall these appointments have great importance, not only for the role they will play, but why they break the crystal ceiling which for centuries has limited the female presence in the leaders of the Church.
Leo XIV, towards a more inclusive and modern church
The choice of Pope Leo XIV confirms that the changes started are not destined to remain isolated events, but that the doors of the Curia are opening up a little more to women. Each new appointment, in fact, contributes to erodor the old ecclesiastical governance model, once reserved almost exclusively for men. After all, If the will is to keep the Church aliveit is necessary that it evolves with society and its needs. The real challenge will be to see to what extent Leone XIV will be able to give strength to this openingmaking it structural and not only symbolic.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION