Pope Francis commended the Board of the U.S.-based Conrad Hilton Foundation for their unwavering dedication to assisting the impoverished and for their efforts in promoting the empowerment of women in religious roles within the Church.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Pope Francis has revealed that Sister Raffaella Petrini, who currently holds the position of Secretary of the Vatican City Governorate, will assume the presidency in March 2025. This historic appointment marks her as the first woman to occupy this role, succeeding Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, LC, upon his retirement. The Pope praised the growing participation of women in leadership roles within the Vatican, referencing Sister Simona Brambilla’s recent elevation to Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life. “Women manage better than we do,” he remarked, recognizing the transformative influence they exert within the Church.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the Hilton Foundation’s dedicated efforts in aiding the impoverished and marginalized, highlighting their crucial role in empowering women religious and assisting the Church in moving beyond its patriarchal traditions. Founded in 1944 by the renowned hotelier Conrad Hilton, the foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable populations globally through grants, partnerships, and advocacy. It tackles various issues, including homelessness, addiction, education, early childhood development, migration, and global health, while also providing assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters and crises.
Additionally, the foundation champions the empowerment of Catholic Sisters worldwide, enhancing the influence of women religious through educational programs and other initiatives, such as the Sisters Project Initiative, which is developed in collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Communication.