SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., announced Sister Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., president of the Pontifical Commission and Governorate of Vatican City State, will be the principal speaker and receive an honorary degree at the University of Notre Dame’s 181st University Commencement Ceremony.

The 2026 ceremony will be held in Notre Dame Stadium on May 17 at 9 a.m. with the academic procession.

“Sister Raffaella is an extraordinary leader who works tirelessly for the common good and radiates the peace, love and hope of Christ. As the highest-ranking woman in the Vatican, she embodies the future of women’s leadership in the Church, having served Pope Francis and now Pope Leo with deep wisdom, unfailing dedication and true humility,” Dowd said. “It is a privilege to have her address the members of the Class of 2026 and their loved ones who are sure to be inspired by her words and prophetic witness.”

The late Pope Francis appointed Petrini, a member of the religious congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, to the roles of president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State in February 2025.