Sr. Raffaella Petrini Visits USML, Mundelein Seminary

MUNDELEIN, Ill. — The University of Saint Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary welcomed Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, on Friday, August 21.

To mark the end of the seminarians’ silent retreat, seminarians, faculty, and leadership gathered for Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. Following Mass, Sr. Raffaella addressed the community in the dining hall, sharing her insights and experiences.

As the highest-ranking administrator in Vatican City State, she oversees daily operations, infrastructure, and administration for the Vatican. Notably, she is the first woman to hold these significant roles in Vatican history. Sr. Raffaella holds a degree in political science from Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS) in Rome, a master’s degree in organizational behavior from the University of Hartford, and a doctorate in social sciences from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.

Drawing on her background in governance and organizational leadership, Sr. Raffaella offered faculty and future priests a unique perspective on leadership, service, and ministry within the global Church. Her visit gave the community an opportunity to engage directly with a prominent leader in Church governance.