Pope Francis made history by appointing Brother Superior General Robert Schieler, FSC, and seven female religious leaders as full members of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The announcement on July 8, 2019, marked the first time that consecrated laypersons and women were among the appointments, which totaled 23. In the past, the positions were all filled by all men and included cardinals, bishops and priests.
As described by the Vatican, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is responsible for everything which concerns institutes of consecrated life (orders and religious congregations, both of men and of women, secular institutes) and societies of apostolic life regarding their government, discipline, studies, goods, rights and privileges.