# Appointment of Montse Alvarado to Vatican Dicastery

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/appointment-of-montse-alvarado-to-vatican-dicastery
> Updated: 2026-11-06T19:38:41.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado as the prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication. Alvarado, a 39 year old Mexican American, officially assumed her role on November 1, 2026. She makes history as the first laywoman who is not a religious sister to lead a dicastery within the Roman Curia, and she is also the youngest prefect in the Curia.

Alvarado succeeds the recently retired Paolo Ruffini, who led the office for eight years. In her new capacity, she oversees more than 500 employees across various Vatican media outlets, including Vatican Radio, the press office, digital platforms, and the Vatican publishing house, as well as Vatican News and L'Osservatore Romano. Her professional background includes serving as the president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, where she managed international content in seven languages, as well as 14 years at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. She holds degrees from Florida International University and George Washington University.

Alvarado noted that her appointment was a direct nomination from the Pope rather than a traditional application process. She expressed her intention to integrate digital and traditional communication methods and identified the challenge of learning the language and mentality of the Italian staff. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. She stated her objective is to execute the vision provided by the Pope rather than imposing her own.

During her inaugural press conference alongside spokesperson Matteo Bruni, Alvarado signaled a potentially more informal and accessible approach. She also provided insights into the Pope’s upcoming three nation tour of Latin America, noting the personal significance of his return to Peru. Her department has previously faced criticism regarding its budget, staffing, and a perceived lack of responsiveness to journalists.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-06: Vatican appoints María Montserrat Alvarado as communications chief

Pope Leo XIV has appointed María Montserrat Alvarado as the first female prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications, signaling a potentially more informal approach to Holy See media relations.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vatican-appoints-mara-montserrat-alvarado-as-communications-chief

### 2026-10-31: Montserrat Alvarado appointed head of Vatican communications

Montserrat Alvarado has become the first woman to lead Vatican communications, appointed by Pope Leo XIV to oversee over 500 employees and various media outlets.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montserrat-alvarado-appointed-head-of-vatican-communications

### 2026-10-26: Montse Alvarado to become first laywoman prefect of Vatican Dicastery for Communication

Montse Alvarado will become the first laywoman to lead a Vatican dicastery when she assumes the role of prefect for the Dicastery for Communication on November 1.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montse-alvarado-to-become-first-laywoman-prefect-of-vatican-dicastery-for-communication

---
Cite as: Appointment of Montse Alvarado to Vatican Dicastery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/appointment-of-montse-alvarado-to-vatican-dicastery