Pope Leo XIV Names EWTN’s Montse Alvarado as First Laywoman Prefect of Communication
VATICAN CITY (Vatican News) — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the next Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, effective November 1, 2026. Currently serving as the President and COO of EWTN News, Alvarado will succeed Paolo Ruffini, who is retiring after reaching the age of 70. This historic appointment makes Alvarado the first non-religious woman to lead a dicastery within the Holy See.
Born in Mexico City and educated at Florida International University and George Washington University, Alvarado spent over a decade defending religious liberty at the Becket Fund before joining EWTN News in 2023. At EWTN, she managed an expansive global multimedia network operating in seven languages.
Her appointment signals a continuation of the Curial reforms initiated by Pope Francis, which opened leadership roles to the laity. The Dicastery for Communication oversees all Vatican media outlets, including Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office, and L’Osservatore Romano.
“While this appointment was unexpected, I receive it with a sincere desire to serve the Holy Father,” Alvarado said, expressing gratitude to Ruffini and looking forward to "the important work of strengthening the dicastery."
Ruffini welcomed his successor, noting they will work closely on a smooth transition over the coming months. EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael P. Warsaw also offered his full support, praising Alvarado's leadership and earning the "trust and respect" of her colleagues.
Key Highlights: Vatican Appoints Maria Montserrat Alvarado to Lead Communications
The Appointment: Pope Leo XIV has named Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, effective November 1, 2026.
Historic Milestone: She will be the first laywoman to serve as a prefect of a Roman Curia dicastery, succeeding Paolo Ruffini (who is retiring at age 70).
Background:
Current Role: President and COO of EWTN News (since 2023), managing global multilingual platforms.
Previous Experience: Executive leadership at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty (2009–2023).
Education: Degrees from Florida International University and George Washington University.
The Mission: Alvarado will oversee the Vatican's entire communication apparatus—including Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office, and its digital and print divisions—while continuing the structural reforms started by Pope Francis.
In Their Words: Alvarado expressed a "sincere desire to serve the Holy Father," while outgoing Prefect Ruffini emphasized a smooth, collaborative transition ahead.
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