María Montserrat Alvarado Vatican communications director, Digi Mart USA News (Vatican City): Executive María Montserrat Alvarado has taken office as director of the Dicastery for Communication of the Vatican after being named by Pope Leo XIV. The 39-year-old communicator became the first lay woman to hold a position at this level within the Roman Curia, effective November 1, 2026.
Alvarado was born in Mexico City and emigrated to the United States as a child to continue her studies. After completing her academic training, she built a solid professional career dedicated to the defense of religious freedom and journalism.
According to her statements, the appointment resulted from a direct nomination made by the pontiff. The communicator said she did not submit a formal candidacy nor take part in a usual selection process.
The pope’s decision marks an unprecedented precedent for female participation in senior Catholic Church positions. Her profile was selected for her high professional competencies and international vision in the media sector.
For 14 years, Alvarado worked with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, providing legal and strategic advisory services. In 2023, she became president and chief operating officer of the Catholic television network EWTN News.
In that role, she oversaw international news platforms producing content in seven languages. Her responsibilities included coordinating broadcasts for television, print, radio, digital media and social networks.
Although communications was not originally part of her personal plans, her career became established in the industry. Her performance at the North American news network made her a reference in managing global religious content.
In her new ministerial-rank role, Alvarado has assumed leadership of the Holy See’s main news outlets. She will oversee the operations of the Vatican News agency, Vatican Radio and the newspaper L’Osservatore Romano.
The assignment also includes directing the press services and the official communications office of the pontifical enclosure. International analysts noted that her profile will bring a different perspective and broader global reach to the Vatican structure.
Specialists also considered that the appointment reflects a different openness toward women’s leadership in Church decisions. With her formal appointment effective November 1, she succeeds Paolo Ruffini at the head of the body.
