This is the full interview with our president Sr Mary Barron published by Spanish weekly Vida Nueva.

Before taking up the main office of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Simona Brambilla had been, since 2011, Superior General of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, and took part in the Plenary Assemblies of the UISG (International Union of Superiors General). Now, the president of UISG, the Irish woman Mary T. Barron, Superior General of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, welcomes this historic appointment.

How do you view the appointment of the first woman as Prefect of the Roman Curia at the Dicastery for religious life?

I received with great joy the news of this “pioneer” appointment. I met Sr Simona during the Synod on Synodality and was delighted when her appointment as Secretary of the Dicastery in 2023 was announced. That appointment already opened new ways in the Roman Curia, with the first religious woman appointed to that position, which is such an important position for religious around the world. Given that, as they say, around 80% of all religious in the world are women, having one in such an important position gave us great hope and joy. The current appointment surpasses that joy…

Personally, since I heard the news, I have had a deep feeling of gratitude in my heart to God, to Pope Francis, to Sr Simona. I have been waiting and praying for this day. With the Pope, there has been a continuous reform of the Curia and we have seen how it is possible to have lay people and women in key positions in the Church. Therefore, it was really important that this appointment of the first woman to such an important position in the Curia of the Church took place now, when we are seriously beginning to implement the Synod on Synodality throughout the world.

I also appreciate the significance of making this announcement on the feast of the Epiphany. This appointment embodies the spirit of renewal and enlightenment, in perfect harmony with the celebration of God's revelation through Jesus Christ. Thus, the Pope underlines a profound message of inclusion, equality and the indispensable role of women in the mission of the Church. This innovative measure is a recognition of the invaluable contributions that women have made and continue to make in the life of the Church.

Both Sr Brambilla and you come from missionary congregations. Does it mean anything?

An interesting question. I had not thought about it before, but I think the fact that both Sr Simona and myself come from missionary congregations may be important. We have both lived and worked in a different ecclesial context and have led – I continue to lead – missionary congregations, which puts us in contact with the Church and peoples on different continents. This is extremely important for any role within the Church that has a global reach. I believe that a missionary perspective and understanding is highly important in a synodal Church, as we learn from experience to value and treasure diversity. The missionary spirit is often inclusive and readily invites dialogue, important qualities when interacting with people from all over the world.

How is the news of this appointment being received in religious congregations?

Within the first 24 hours, I had already heard echoes from women religious around the world, feelings of pride and great joy for this historic appointment. Women religious are encouraged and hopeful that progress will continue to include more and more women in significant positions within the Curia. Francis is leading by example and showing us all what is possible for women at this time.

(Translated from Spanish by Bohumil Petrík, Communication Office UISG)