Pope Leo XIV Appoints Sr Nirmalini as Vatican Dicastery Consultor

Vatican City, August 6, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sr Maria Nirmalini, A.C., as a Consultor of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, entrusting her with a five-year term of service to the universal Church.

The appointment was formally communicated in a Vatican document issued on June 18, 2026, by the Secretariat of State. The decree, addressed to the Consultors of the Dicastery, states that Sr Maria Nirmalini has been appointed to the position for five years.

The appointment places Sr Nirmalini among those called to assist the Vatican Dicastery in its work concerning institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life across the Catholic Church.

The Dicastery is responsible for matters relating to religious institutes, consecrated life and societies of apostolic life, accompanying communities in their life, governance and mission.

As a Consultor, Sr Nirmalini will be expected to contribute her experience and insights to the Dicastery's consultations and deliberations on issues concerning consecrated life. Consultors assist the Dicastery by offering expertise and counsel on matters brought before it.

Her selection reflects the contribution that experienced religious leaders can make to the Church's reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing consecrated life in different cultural and pastoral contexts.

Her five-year appointment also brings an Indian religious perspective to the Dicastery's international consultations at a time when religious congregations worldwide are responding to changing pastoral realities, new forms of mission and the evolving needs of consecrated life.

The appointment is significant for consecrated life in the Church, highlighting the role of women religious and religious leaders from different parts of the world in contributing to the discernment and mission of the Holy See.

By Catholic Connect Reporter