Santamarina Mónica

President General of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO).

Mónica studied law and worked as companies’ legal advisor. As a teacher, she taught Law, Sociology and Current Affairs. She was Social Advisor of the National Institute of Women in Mexico – a governmental organisation for the protection of women. She has been an active member of the Mexican Catholic Women’s Union for 35 years,including serving as National President from 1996 to 2001. In addition, she was President of Mexican Catholic Action and a member of the Editorial Board of the magazine Acción Femenina for over 25 years. Mónica has also held several leadership roles within Quiera, a foundation of the Mexican Association of Banks committed to supporting children living on the streets or at risk, including President, Vice-President, and Director.

Within WUCWO, she has served as Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean,Vice-President General, and Treasurer General. In May 2023 she was elected President General.

In January 2026, Pope Leo XIV, appointed her as a consultor to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

She is Mexican and a widow with 4 children and 9 grandchildren.