Pope Leo XIV has appointed a religious sister from County Donegal to a senior role in the Vatican's missionary department.

Sr Mary Teresa Barron, a native of Donegal, has been named Adjunct Secretary of the Vatican's missionary department and President of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The appointment was announced on Monday.

In a statement, Sr Barron described the appointment as "completely unexpected" and said she accepted it with gratitude and trust in God's providence. She thanked Pope Leo for the confidence placed in her and for the opportunity to serve the Church in missionary ministry.

Sr Barron is the first woman to hold the role. She acknowledged the many women, both religious and lay, who have dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Gospel and serving God's people worldwide, saying the honour is recognition of their contributions.

She has been Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles since 2018. Her congregation this year celebrates 150 years of missionary service, particularly in Africa.

Sr Barron spoke of the significance of representing Ireland's missionary heritage. She noted that for generations, Irish missionaries have served communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania and beyond, establishing schools and hospitals, supporting local communities and building local churches.

She said the appointment is a tribute to the countless Irish missionaries who have given generously in service to God's mission, and she pledged to honour that tradition by fostering missionary solidarity and service throughout the global Church.

Sr Barron holds Masters degrees in Public Healthcare Administration from the Institute for Public Administration in Dublin and in International Development from the Kimmage Institute in Dublin. She previously served as President of the Service of Documentation and Study on Global Mission from 2022 to 2025 and as President of the International Union of Superiors General in Rome from 2023 to 2025.