The Pope has appointed Rev. Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., as the new President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State. According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office released on Saturday, this appointment will take effect on March 1, 2025. Sister Petrini, who is affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, has held the position of Secretary General of the Governorate since 2021.
With this new appointment, she will become the first woman to assume the highest leadership role within the Vatican’s administrative framework. In her capacity as President, she will be responsible for overseeing the governance of Vatican City, including the management of its daily operations and policies in alignment with the directives of the Holy See. The Governorate is tasked with various administrative functions, such as security, infrastructure, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Sister Petrini succeeds Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, L.C., who has served as President since 2021.