Pope Leo XIV Appoints Maria Montserrat Alvarado as Head of Vatican Communications

On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado, a prominent American Catholic media executive known for her work in pro-life advocacy and religious freedom, to lead Vatican communications.

Alvarado, who currently serves as the president and chief operating officer of Eternal Word Television Network News (EWTN), is set to become the first lay woman to take on a leadership position in the Vatican’s Department of Communications and Diplomacy come November.

Since 2023, she has expanded EWTN’s operations, broadening its reach across various platforms and languages. Prior to her role at EWTN, Alvarado worked with the Beckett Fund for Religious Freedom, where she advanced to chief operating officer, focusing on issues of religious liberty.

In a statement relayed by The Pillar, Alvarado expressed her commitment to serving the Pope, remarking that the appointment was unexpected yet received with genuine eagerness.

Alvarado hails from Mexico City and pursued her education in the U.S., obtaining degrees from Florida International University and George Washington University. She has been recognized nationally for her dedication to religious freedom, church service, and writing.

Additionally, she has actively participated in pro-life events and is involved in traditional Catholic education, serving on the board of directors at Benedictine College.

Alvarado will step into the role previously held by Paolo Ruffini, who has been in the position since 2018. She expressed gratitude for his leadership and expressed hope for continued collaboration in advancing the Church’s mission.

Ruffini, who plans to retire in October, remarked on the journey shared with the Holy See over the years and emphasized a smooth transition to support the ongoing mission of the Vatican.

There have been some tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration, though claims of coercive pressure from the Pentagon have been denied by officials. President Trump has publicly urged the Pope to avoid political entanglements, particularly regarding sensitive issues like the Iran war.

Alvarado’s American connections and conservative stance may play a role in shaping future interactions between the U.S. and the Vatican.