Pope Leo XIV on Monday announced a series of important appointments in the Roman Curia, reflecting a reorganization of strategic positions within the Holy See. The changes directly affect the Secretariat of State, the Apostolic Nunciature in Italy, and the Prefecture of the Papal Household, completing a succession of three prelates with extensive diplomatic experience.

Archbishop  Paolo Rudelli , 55, a native of Bergamo and until now Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia, has been appointed the new  Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State . This position, considered one of the most sensitive and closest to the Pope—somewhat equivalent to a Vatican “Minister of the Interior”—is now held by Rudelli, replacing Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra. Rudelli thanked the Holy Father for the “undeserved gesture of trust” this appointment represents and expressed his desire to assume the service “in the spirit indicated by the Apostolic Constitution  Praedicate Evangelium ,” trusting in the guidance of the Cardinal Secretary of State and entrusting himself to the intercession of Saint John XXIII, also from Bergamo.

Edgar Peña Parra , for his part,   is leaving the Secretariat of State—where he has served as Substitute since 2018—to become the new  Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino . In his farewell address, Peña Parra described his time at the Secretariat as “a very beautiful and enriching adventure,” although “extremely difficult” at times, which included the Covid-19 pandemic, the death of Benedict XVI, the illness and death of Francis, and the conclave that elected Leo XIV. Using the metaphor of a train, he described that period as “the longest, most intense, and most interesting stop.” He expressed his “sincere happiness” and “joy” about his new assignment and pledged his loyalty and obedience to Pope Leo XIV.

The changeover is completed with the appointment of Archbishop  Petar Rajič  as the new  Prefect  of the Papal Household , a position that had been vacant since 2023 following the end of Archbishop Georg Gänswein’s term. Rajič, born in Canada to a Croatian family, recently arrived from the nunciature in Italy and San Marino (2024) and previously served as nuncio to the Baltic states. As Prefect, he will be responsible for internal order, the daily management of the Pope’s life, and the organization of audiences. Rajič expressed his “deep gratitude” for the Pope’s trust and his desire to “be of service” to the Pontiff in the universal Church.

These moves demonstrate the continued commitment to profiles with a solid diplomatic track record and knowledge of the Curia, in line with the reform promoted by the constitution  Praedicate evangelium .

Service and synodality at the heart of monastic life

Alongside these appointments, Pope Leo XIV received in audience in the Consistory Hall a group of Benedictine nuns and monks from various Italian abbeys. In his address, the Holy Father emphasized that every monastery must become a “school of service,” in accordance with the spirit of the Rule of Saint Benedict. In contrast to the individualism and self-absorption of the modern world, monastic life is not an escape from the world, but rather a model of love, sharing, and mutual support.

Leo XIV emphasized the communal dimension of sanctification and the importance of  synodality  in the consecrated life: walking together, mutual listening, and communal discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He also stressed the need for ongoing formation that enables monks and nuns to wisely live the primacy of charity and intercession for all humanity.

Agreement in Jerusalem for Passover celebrations

Finally, in the Holy Land, an agreement has been reached between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land, in coordination with the Israeli authorities, guaranteeing the normal conduct of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies and ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Due to restrictions imposed by the ongoing conflict, the celebrations will be streamed online so that the faithful can participate spiritually.

The Christian churches expressed their gratitude for the intervention of Israeli President Isaac Herzog and reiterated their commitment to dialogue, respect for the  status quo  , and religious freedom as a universal value, especially necessary in times of conflict. They will maintain contact with the security forces to reconcile security and worship.