Pope Leo Names Mexican-American Media Executive to Lead Vatican Communications

Pope Leo XIV has appointed 39-year-old Mexican-American media executive Maria Alvarado as the head of the Vatican’s communications department, making her the first woman and non-Italian to occupy the position. Alvarado, popularly known as Montse, is expected to assume the role this week, overseeing the Vatican’s television, radio, print and digital media operations, as well as its press office. Her appointment, announced in June, came as a surprise to her, as she disclosed in an interview with EWTN News, where she served as president and chief operating officer from 2023. Before joining the media organisation, she spent 14 years working with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a non-profit law firm. At EWTN, she supervised international media platforms producing content in seven languages across television, radio, print and digital channels. Alvarado succeeds Paolo Ruffini, who was appointed by Pope Francis in 2018 and became the first layperson to head a Vatican department.

The appointment has drawn attention as a significant development in the representation of women in senior Vatican positions, which have traditionally been occupied largely by clergy and religious figures. Analysts say the decision reflects Pope Leo’s approach to recognising women’s professional experience and leadership abilities within the Catholic Church. Lucetta Scaraffia, founder of the Vatican women’s magazine Women Church World, described Alvarado as an accomplished communications manager whose appointment was based on her skills and professional achievements. She also said Alvarado’s international background could bring a different perspective to the department. Alvarado previously worked as a presenter at EWTN, a major Catholic television network in the United States, which has been associated with conservative voices within the Church. Her appointment marks another step in the growing involvement of laypeople in senior Vatican administrative roles.

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