Pope Leo XIV appoints Maria Montserrat Alvarado to lead Vatican communications

Pope Leo XIV has taken a step toward overhauling the Vatican’s communications by naming Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new head of its communications office.

Alvarado replaces Paolo Ruffini as prefect of the Dicastery of Communications, which oversees the Vatican’s media operations.

This move aligns with Leo’s goal to reform how the Catholic Church communicates globally.

By appointing a laywoman, Leo follows Pope Francis’ lead in promoting women to leadership roles in the Vatican.

Alvarado, previously with EWTN News, brings experience from the largest Catholic media organization in the world.