Pope Francis has established a commission aimed at boosting donations to the Vatican as it faces a crippling deficit, including a looming crisis in its pension system. The composition of the commission’s membership, and the way it will work, means that prominent female religious figures in the Vatican will play a signifiant role.

The Pope has previously lauded the role of women and the contributions they can make in the Catholic Church, despite being unable to be ordained, and has made a point during his papacy of appointing more women to leadership roles in the Vatican.