Quick Read
- Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić as Deputy Director of the Holy See Press Office.
- Her appointment is effective March 1, 2026, succeeding Cristiane Murray.
- Sister Krapić holds degrees in law and public relations and has experience in journalism and social work.
- She previously served as an official of the Dicastery for Communication and is pursuing a doctorate in Social Sciences.
VATICAN CITY (Azat TV) – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić, M.V.Z., as the new Deputy Director of the Holy See Press Office, effective March 1, 2026. The appointment, announced in the daily Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office on Friday, February 13, 2026, signals a notable leadership transition within the Vatican’s primary public communication body. Sister Krapić, a Croatian religious sister with a diverse background in law, journalism, and social work, succeeds Cristiane Murray, who stepped down from the position she held since July 2019.
New Leadership at the Holy See Press Office
The decision by Pope Leo XIV to appoint Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić comes as the Holy See continues to navigate an increasingly complex global media landscape. As Deputy Director, Sister Krapić will play a crucial role in shaping the Vatican’s public image and disseminating its messages to the world. Her predecessor, Cristiane Murray, was received in audience by the Pope on the same Friday, marking a formal conclusion to her tenure.
Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, expressed gratitude for Murray’s service and extended his best wishes to Sister Krapić. “I warmly thank Cristiane Murray for the dedication and professionalism with which she carried out her service. In the same spirit, I extend my best wishes for fruitful work to Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić, confident in her great professional and human qualities,” Ruffini stated, as reported by Vatican News.
Sister Nina Krapić’s Diverse Background
Born in Rijeka, Croatia, on June 7, 1989, Sister Nina Krapić brings a unique blend of academic and professional experience to her new role. She earned a degree in Law from the University of Rijeka in 2015 and further specialized in Public Relations at the University of Zagreb in 2023. Her educational foundation is complemented by practical experience in various fields.
Before her appointment, Sister Krapić made her perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul on August 13, 2023. She has worked as a journalist, providing her with direct experience in media operations. Furthermore, her legal advisory work for women victims of domestic violence and other marginalized individuals, alongside her service as head of communications for Caritas of the Archdiocese of Rijeka, underscores a deep commitment to social justice and compassionate outreach.
Since 2023, she has served as an official of the Dicastery for Communication, the very department overseeing the Press Office. She is also currently pursuing a doctorate in Social Sciences at the Collegium Maximum of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, indicating a continued dedication to academic rigor and contemporary social issues.
Implications for Vatican Communications
Sister Krapić’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given her background. Her legal expertise could prove invaluable in navigating the intricate legal and ethical considerations often present in high-profile communications. Her experience in public relations and journalism aligns directly with the core functions of the Holy See Press Office, which is responsible for conveying the Pope’s activities, statements, and the Vatican’s positions on global matters.
The Vatican’s communication strategy has been a key area of focus under Pope Leo XIV, aiming for greater transparency and broader reach. Sister Krapić’s previous work with marginalized communities and her ongoing academic pursuits in social sciences suggest a potential emphasis on human-centered communication and engagement with contemporary societal challenges. This appointment reflects an ongoing effort to bring diverse perspectives and modern professional skills into the Vatican’s communication leadership, ensuring its messages resonate effectively in a rapidly evolving global context.
The integration of a religious sister with a strong background in law, journalism, and social work into a senior communication role suggests a strategic move by the Holy See to not only enhance its professional media engagement but also to infuse its public messaging with a deepened understanding of social issues and human vulnerability.