Pope Leo appoints president of EWTN News as head of Vatican communications

The Vatican announced on June 2 that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a Mexican-American laywoman, as the new head of Vatican communications. She will take over as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, replacing Paolo Ruffini, who held the role since 2018. Alvarado’s appointment marks the first time a woman has led the Vatican’s communications office, aligning with Pope Francis’s 2022 reforms that opened senior positions to laypeople. Alvarado currently serves as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, the world’s largest Catholic broadcaster, which reaches over 400 million households in 160 countries. Her leadership at EWTN, where she has worked since 2023, includes overseeing 11 global TV channels, radio services, and digital platforms. Before EWTN, she held leadership roles at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty from 2009 to 2023. Born in Mexico City, Alvarado holds degrees in political management from Florida International University and political science from George Washington University. Her appointment also reflects the growing influence of Hispanic Catholics in the U.S., where nearly 36% of the 73-million-member Catholic community identifies as Hispanic. The decision has sparked discussion due to EWTN’s past criticism of Pope Francis, though informed sources suggest Pope Leo XIV’s move aims to realign the network with Vatican messaging. Since taking over EWTN in 2023, Alvarado has worked to address internal divisions and refocus the network’s global outreach. She will officially begin her Vatican role on November 1.