The Vatican is set to make history this week as 39-year-old Mexican-American media executive, Maria Alvarado, becomes the first laywoman to head one of its major departments, overseeing the Catholic Church’s global communications operations.

Alvarado, who is also the first non-Italian to occupy the position, will supervise the Vatican’s television, radio, print and digital media operations, as well as its press office.

Her appointment was announced in June by Pope Leo the Fourteenth, replacing Paolo Ruffini, who held the position since 2018.

Alvarado previously served as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, a major Catholic media network in the United States, from 2023.

She also spent 14 years working with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.

Her appointment has been described by analysts as a significant shift in the Vatican’s approach to women’s leadership, with observers pointing to her professional experience and international background as key factors behind the decision.