The appointment marks a major step in Francis’ aim to give women more leadership roles in governing the church.

ROME — Pope Francis on Monday named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, appointing an Italian nun, Sister Simona Brambilla, to become prefect of the department responsible for all ...

Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, appointing an Italian nun as prefect of the department responsible for all of the Catholic Church’s religious orders.