Pope Leo XIV appoints new consultors to Vatican religious life dicastery

Pope Leo XIV has appointed 15 new consultors to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, headed by Prefect Sister Simona Brambilla. The group includes two bishops, five priests, two religious brothers, and six religious sisters.

The appointments include several figures associated with the synodal reforms of Pope Francis and advocates for structural changes within the Church. Among the appointees is Sister Patricia Murray, a former executive secretary of the International Union of Superiors General, who has previously advocated for discussing controversial topics such as women’s diaconate and priesthood during the synodal process.

Also appointed is Sister Maria Nirmalini, an Indian religious who has called for liturgical reforms that emphasize creativity over uniformity and has advocated for the inclusion of women in Church leadership and decision-making processes.