Pope Appoints First Lay Woman to Senior Church Role
Alvarado is the first lay woman to hold this senior Church role.
Alvarado succeeds Paolo Ruffini, who is retiring at 70 after eight years as the first lay prefect.
The Dicastery for Communication was established by Pope Francis in 2015.
Alvarado, born in Mexico City and educated in the U.S., has led EWTN News since 2023.
EWTN, a global media conglomerate operating in seven languages, appeals to conservative U.S. Catholics.
Alvarado's appointment is effective November 1, 2026.
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