VATICAN (SE): Sister Raffaella Petrini of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, currently secretary general of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State—the first woman to hold the post is to head the Governatorate starting in March. The appointment will follow the retirement of Fernando Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga.
Pope Francis announced the news during an interview with Fabio Fazio, the host of Italian TV channel Nove’s “Che Tempo Che Fa” [let’s talk about what’s happening] progamme, which aired on the evening of January 19.
The pope announced that, starting in March, Sister Petrini would become president of the Governatorate, marking another significant appointment of a woman to a prominent role, following Sister Simona Brambilla’s appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life.
“The work of women in the Curia has progressed slowly but effectively. Now, we have many,” the pope noted.
The hour-long conversation also served as an opportunity to present his autobiography, Hope. The pope described the work of writing his autobiography as “very delicate,” comprising numerous stories that “convey a sense of who I am.”
Pope Francis also reassured viewers about the condition of his arm after he hurt it in a fall on January 16, saying, “It’s moving better.”
The pope also addressed the war in the Middle East, noting the start of the ceasefire on January 19 between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of three women held hostage. He expressed gratitude to those who negotiated the ceasefire, saying, “They are good.”
Discussing the two-state solution, he said, “I believe it is the only solution. Some are willing, others are not,” he noted, adding that “peace is greater than war.”
The Pope emphasised the courage required to pursue peace, noting that “sometimes you lose something, but you gain much more.”
Pope Francis responded to a question about the United States amid rumors of a potential mass deportation plan of migrants by incoming president, Donald Trump, following his inauguration.
The pope described it as “a disgrace,” because “it makes the poor who have nothing pay the price for imbalance”.
On the topic of migration, he reiterated the “four verbs” to address the emergency. “Migrants must be welcomed, accompanied, promoted, and integrated.”
