Sr. Tiziana Merletti Appointed Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life

Vatican City, May 22, 2025: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti, former Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, as Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The appointment marks the pontiff’s first curial nomination since assuming the papacy. 

As Secretary, Sister Merletti will serve under Sr Simona Brambilla, who was appointed to lead the Dicastery in January, becoming the first woman ever to lead a Vatican department. From 2023 to 2025, Sr Brambilla had served as Secretary of the Dicastery, the role now held by Sr Merletti. The Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life is Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime.

The Dicastery, which oversees religious orders, congregations, and secular institutes, plays a key role in the governance and pastoral care of consecrated life within the Catholic Church.

Born on September 30, 1959, in Pineto, central Italy, Sr Merletti brings decades of religious and academic experience to her new position. She made her first profession as a nun in the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1986. She holds a law degree as well as a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

From 2004 to 2013, she led her congregation as superior general. Currently, she serves as a professor at the Pontifical Antonianum University and works as a canon lawyer with the International Union of Superiors General.

Sr Merletti’s appointment underscores Pope Leo XIV’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the role of women in Church leadership.

By Joseph Tulloch

Courtesy: Vatican News

Image Source: UISG International Union Superiors General YouTube channel