Raffaella Petrini, a 52 year old nun from Italy has been named by Pope Francis to become the Secretary General of the Governatorate of the State of Vatican City. This post is comparable to being deputy governor of a state or deputy mayor of a city.
The Governatorate is based in the middle of the Vatican City and oversees more than 2,000 employees. Raffaella has a degree from LUISS, a prestigious Italian business university. Her appointment is the latest attempt of Holy Father Pope Francis to improve gender balance.
The Governatorate oversees the daily functioning of the Vatican City that includes departments of police, firefighters, health services, museums, maintenance and office staff. Earlier, a bishop held this top post.
Pope Francis said that he does not see any reason as to why women should not hold top posts other than those for doctrinal reasons and are open only to ordained priests.
