Mexico City: In a groundbreaking move, the Archdiocese of Mexico has appointed María Magdalena Ibarola y Suárez as its new diocesan chancellor, marking the first time a laywoman has held the role in the country's history. The announcement was made by Cardinal Carlos Aguirre Retz, Archbishop of Mexico, who emphasized the significance of the position within the Church's governance.
Ibarola, a canon law graduate from the Pontifical University of Mexico and holder of a master’s degree in business administration from the Latin American University, brings both ecclesiastical expertise and managerial acumen to the role. Since February 2019, she has served as vice chancellor of the archdiocese, gaining deep experience in church administration.
Cardinal Retz highlighted her years of dedicated service, describing her appointment as a recognition of her professional competence, unwavering faith, and deep-rooted commitment to the Church. "Her academic background, her knowledge of canon law, and her administrative experience will be invaluable to the mission ahead," he said.
Ibarola is set to officially assume office on August 15, the solemn feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She will serve as chancellor for one of the world’s largest archdioceses, home to approximately 4.4 million Catholics.
Female chancellors remain a rarity in the global Catholic Church, making Ibarola’s appointment especially notable. It follows a slow but growing trend of increased roles for women in Church leadership. In 2022, Sister Mary Anza of the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart became the first woman to serve as vice chancellor in the Diocese of Vijayapuram in Kerala, India.
Ibarola's elevation not only signals a shift within the Mexican Church but also stands as a powerful testament to the evolving role of women in ecclesiastical structures worldwide.