While women have been named to No. 2 spots in some Vatican offices, none were named prefect of a dicastery or congregation of the Holy See Curia, the central governing organ of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has named a nun to head a prominent office at the Vatican, the first time a woman has held that position and the latest example of the pontiff adding more women to leadership roles in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla to lead a Vatican department, naming the first woman head of the office that oversees the world's Catholic religious orders and congregations.