Sister Tiziana Merletti has been appointed Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, marking another milestone for women in Vatican leadership.
She brings decades of experience in canon law and religious life, having previously served as Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor.
Her appointment reflects Pope Francis’ ongoing efforts to elevate women’s roles within the Church, following historic reforms that allow laypeople, including women, to lead Vatican departments.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti, former Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, as Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
The Dicastery is responsible for overseeing religious orders, congregations, and secular institutes within the Catholic Church.
As Secretary, Sr Merletti will serve under Sister Simona Brambilla, who became the first woman to lead a Vatican department when she was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery in January.
From 2023 to 2025, Sr Brambilla had held the role of Secretary—the position now occupied by Sr Merletti.
Sr Tiziana Merletti’s background in canon law.
Born on 30 September 1959 in Pineto, central Italy, Sr Merletti made her first religious profession in 1986 in the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. She holds a degree in Law, obtained in 1984, and a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, which she completed in 1992. Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as Superior General of her religious institute from 2004 to 2013.
Currently, she is a Professor at the Faculty of Canon Law at the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome and also works as a canon lawyer with the International Union of Superiors General.
