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

Pope Francis on Monday named Sister Simona Brambilla the first female prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

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.Francis has been naming women to more elevated positions within the Holy See since becoming head of the world's almost 1.

Sister Simona Brambilla, 60, of Italy will be prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Appointment marks a major step in Francis’ aim to give women more leadership roles in governing Catholic Church