Pope Francis appoints a new Deputy Minister for Relations with Countries, marking the first time the Holy See has a high-ranking female diplomatic official.

"Pope Francis has appointed Dr. Francesca Di Giovanni, now the Secretary of State, as Deputy Minister of Relations with countries. She will be responsible for multilateral issues," the firm said. Vatican News announced earlier this week, saying it was the first time the Vatican had a female official holding the position.

Pope Francis' decision continues to affirm his progressive view, in the context of the management positions of the Vatican still largely male-dominated.

"I was very surprised and never thought that I would be entrusted with this task. The Pope has made an unprecedented decision, showing attention to women. with work, not gender, "Deputy Minister Di Giovanni said after being appointed.

Deputy Minister Di Giovanni was born in the southern Italian city of Palermo and has worked in the Vatican Secretariat for the past 27 years. She holds a law degree, having worked in refugee and migration work, international humanitarian law and the status of women.