Vatican City: The Pope has ordered the appointment of a woman for the first time in history in the Vatican’s diplomatic affairs. Pope Francis has appointed Italian woman Francesca de Giovanni to the post of Under Secretary. Francesca will be tasked with coordinating the activities of the Vatican with the United Nations and with various countries.
Sixty-six-year-old Francesca de Giovanni, a native of Palermo in southern Italy, has been appointed to a position reserved exclusively for clergymen. She shared with the Vatican media the hope that her specialty as a woman could be reflected in her new career. “This shows the importance of the Pope for women by making submissive appointments,” Francisca said.
Francesca de Giovanni, who has a law degree, has been working at the Vatican for the past 27 years. She has profound expertise in refugee issues, tourism and women’s empowerment. This is the last ordinance of Pope Francis, who specializes in appointing women to high positions in the Vatican after taking over as head of the Catholic Church.
