Abbot has a dream of female cardinals

 Martin Werlen: "I mentioned the dream of seeing Sister Brambilla appointed cardinal"

The former abbot of Einsiedeln, Martin Werlen, spoke out on August 7, 2025, in favor of the appointment of the first female cardinal. He believes this is entirely logical, given that Sister Brambilla has become prefect of a dicastery. He even cites a second candidate, Sister Raffaella Petrini, head of the Vatican City Governorate.

Why are you requesting the appointment of the first female cardinal now?

Martin Werlen: I have nothing to ask. I haven't asked for anything. During the round table discussion organized as part of the Salzburg University Weeks on the theme "A Church that leaves more room for life?", which also addressed the issue of women, I mentioned my dream of seeing Sister Simona Brambilla among the next cardinals appointed.

You also proposed a woman, Sister Simona Brambilla, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Religious Orders. Why her?

Usually, the heads of dicasteries, that is, the prefects, are appointed cardinals. For the first time in the history of the Church, a woman is heading a dicastery, that is, a prefect. It would therefore be logical for her to be appointed cardinal.

Do you know Sister Brambilla personally?

I don't know her personally. But I treasure a letter she sent me, signed "Sr. Simona Brambilla, M.C. Prefect." It was a response to suggestions for changes to canon law concerning religious life. In my opinion, the historical significance of this appointment by Pope Francis has not been sufficiently emphasized. It was a significant step. I would also like to mention Sister Raffaella Petrini, who has been head of government of Vatican City since March 1, 2025.

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Are religious women particularly suited to hold leadership positions within the Church?

It goes without saying that religious women who assume leadership roles within their communities are prepared to assume leadership roles in other areas of the Church.

Sister Raffaella Petrini has become the "number 1" of the Governorate of Vatican City State | © Vatican Media

Shouldn't we first appoint women priests and bishops before deciding to appoint a female cardinal?

In my opinion, the appointment of a female cardinal is a more important step in changing the culture. She is part of the Pope's inner circle of advisors, who will also elect the next pope. The more women there are involved in Church leadership in Rome, the more women will be recognized and appreciated within the Church.

"In my opinion, the appointment of a female cardinal is a more important step in changing the culture."

To what extent do you think Pope Leo is capable of appointing a female cardinal?

Pope Leo knows canon law; it's his specialty. Before the canon law of 1917, even non-priests could be appointed cardinals. Theodulf Mertel (1806-1899) was the last non-priest cardinal—appointed by Pope Pius IX—after having served as Minister of the Interior and Minister of Justice. He also participated in the conclave during which Leo XIII was elected. He crowned Leo XIII with the tiara, according to the rite of the time.

There are several cardinals today who are not bishops (see box). Leo XIV is also aware of all this. Thus, at the next cardinal nomination, two women could be on the list: Sister Simona Brambilla and Raffaella Petrini. I would be very happy if that were the case. Paolo Ruffini, the first prefect of a Curial authority who is not a priest, is also on the list. He has been Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication since 2018. This would be a strong sign that the Church is a pilgrim of hope. (cath.ch/kath.ch/rp/bh)

The cardinalate has never been open to women. Generally, bishops are created cardinals. They must be "outstanding for their doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence in the conduct of affairs" (Can. 351). Francis, however, has already conferred the cardinal's hat on priests several times, including Timothy Radcliffe (in December 2024). Canon law states that any man constituted "at least in the order of the presbyterate" can become a cardinal (Can. 351). Canon law now requires that priests designated to become cardinals receive episcopal consecration. There are, however, exceptional cases where a cardinal does not receive episcopal ordination: if he is over 80 years old. The most recent is Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, created cardinal on November 28, 2020.

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