Montse Alvarado to become first laywoman prefect of Vatican Dicastery for Communication

Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado is set to officially assume her role as the prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication on November 1. Appointed by Pope Leo XIV, Alvarado will make history as the first laywoman who is not a religious sister to lead a dicastery within the Roman Curia. At 39 years old, she will also be the youngest prefect in the Curia.

Alvarado previously served as the president and chief operating officer of EWTN News. Her professional background includes 14 years at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, where she worked on issues regarding religious freedom and human dignity.

In preparation for her new responsibilities, Alvarado has met with the Pope to align her leadership with his mandate for the pontificate. She stated that her objective is to serve the Church and the Curia by executing the vision provided by the Pope rather than imposing her own.