French Sister Nathalie Becquart will be the first woman to be appointed to the office and will have the right to vote in Synod.
This allows her to help make important decisions in the Catholic Church, according to Vatican News, the Holy See’s official press website.
Synod advises the Pope, including on many controversial topics such as divorce.
Pope Francis appointed Becquart, along with p. Luis Marn de San Martin as the newest Under-Secretaries.
Cardinal Mario Grech, who heads the synod, told Vatican News that a “door has been opened” to the possibility that more women can vote.
“During the last synods, numerous Synod Fathers stressed the need for the entire Church to reflect on the place and role of women within the Church,” Grech said.
“Even Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the importance of women being more involved in the discernment and decision-making processes in the Church. Already at the last synods, the number of women participating as experts or auditors increased.
“With the appointment of Sr. Nathalie Becquart, and the possibility that she will participate with the right to vote, there is a door open. We will see what other steps can be taken in the future,” added Grech.