In a historic move for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has named Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a Mexican-American broadcasting executive, as Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.
This marks the first time a laywoman will head a Vatican dicastery.
The announcement, made Tuesday, June 2, 2026, signals a significant step forward in the Vatican’s ongoing reforms to open leadership roles to women and non-ordained Catholics.
Alvarado, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of EWTN News, will officially assume her new position on November 1, 2026.
Born in Mexico City and raised in Miami, Alvarado is a US citizen who has been a prominent figure in Catholic media over the past decade.
Under 40
At under 40 years old, she is the youngest person ever appointed as a Vatican prefect.
The Dicastery for Communication, established by Pope Francis in 2015, oversees the Vatican’s global media operations.
These include Vatican News, Vatican Radio, L’Osservatore Romano, Vatican Media, and the Holy See Press Office.
Alvarado will take over from Paolo Ruffini, who is retiring in October 2026 after leading the department since its inception.
“This appointment demonstrates the Church’s commitment to recognising talent beyond traditional clerical structures,” said a Vatican spokesperson.
Alvarado’s extensive experience leading EWTN News, the largest Catholic media network in the United States, positions her to modernise the Vatican’s communications strategy in an increasingly digital age.
Expanding women’s role
The move continues Pope Francis’s reform agenda, which is steadily expanding women’s roles in Church governance.
Alvarado joins a small but growing number of women serving in significant Vatican positions.
She remains the first laywoman to lead an entire dicastery.
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The Catholic Church faces challenges in engaging younger generations and adapting to rapidly evolving media landscapes.
Alvarado’s expertise in digital broadcasting and news management is crucial.
Her appointment is welcomed by Catholic media professionals worldwide as a groundbreaking moment for the Church’s relationship with modern communication.
The Vatican will announce further details about Alvarado’s transition plans in the coming weeks.