Pope Leo XIV has appointed the religious sister Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., as a new member of the Commission for Reserved Matters, according to information from the Holy See’s Bulletin. The religious sister is currently president of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City and president of the Governatorato of the State of Vatican City.
This appointment only further reinforces Sister Petrini’s institutional role within the Vatican government structure, in a particularly sensitive area linked to the management of reserved matters.
What is the Commission for Reserved Matters
The Commission for Reserved Matters is an organ established by the Holy See to supervise and evaluate those administrative, contractual, and economic procedures that, by their nature, require a special regime of confidentiality.
Its existence responds to the need to ensure, even in exceptional cases, respect for the principles of legality, control, and accountability, preventing confidentiality from becoming a space outside institutional oversight. The Commission thus acts as an instrument of internal supervision in situations where ordinary procedures of publicity and transparency cannot be applied.
A Position of Special Trust
Being appointed a member of this Commission implies forming part of a small group of people of utmost trust from the Pope, called upon to intervene in decisions that directly affect the security, sovereignty, and strategic management of the State of Vatican City and the Holy See.
Members of the Commission for Reserved Matters examine and validate operations that, for reasons of prudence, security, or institutional interest, cannot follow the usual administrative channels, ensuring that such exceptions are justified and comply with current law.
Petrini in the Vatican
Sister Raffaella Petrini, a religious of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, has held the presidency of the Governatorato of the State of Vatican City since 2023, being the highest executive authority of the small State. A position that was designated in February 2025 by Francis, at that time, irregularly. From there, she coordinates the civil administration, services, and economic management of the Vatican.
Subsequently, in November of the same year, Leo XIV published a Motu Proprio, through which he modified the composition of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City, thereby legalizing Petrini’s appointment.
Her incorporation into the Commission for Reserved Matters is consistent with her current responsibilities and reinforces her role in the areas of government, control, and supervision, especially in matters that require discretion and institutional rigor.