It is the body that collaborates most closely with the Pope in the exercise of his supreme mission, in fact constituting the “engine” of the political and diplomatic action of the Holy See, as well as the “link of connection” and synthesis in the coordination of the Roman Curia.

The Section for General Affairs, the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations, and the Section for Career Diplomatic Personnel of the Holy See. It is within this threefold framework that the structure of the Secretariat of State is defined, designed to assist the Pope in governing the Holy See and in exercising his ministry as universal Pastor. The Secretariat of State is a cosmopolitan group of people who work closely with the Pope, coordinating among the Dicasteries and Institutions of the Apostolic See and, externally, overseeing in particular the Pontifical Representations. The Secretary of State is the Pope’s primary collaborator in governing the universal Church. The Secretary of State is Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Brief history

The origins of the Secretariat of State date back to the 15th century. With the Apostolic Constitution  Non debet reprehensibile  of December 31, 1487, the  Apostolic Secretariat was established  , composed of 24 Apostolic Secretaries, among whom was the  Secretarius domesticus . Turning to more recent historical events, in 1814 Pius VII instituted the Sacred Congregation for Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs. Saint Pius X, with the Apostolic Constitution  Sapienti Consilio  of June 29, 1908, divided the Sacred Congregation for Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs in the form later established by the  Code of Canon Law  of 1917. Paul VI, with the Apostolic Constitution  Regimini Ecclesiae Universae  of 1967, in application of the will expressed by the Bishops at the Second Vatican Council, reformed the Roman Curia and gave a new order to the Secretariat of State. John Paul II, in 1988, promulgated the Apostolic Constitution  Pastor Bonus , which, restructuring the Roman Curia, divided the Secretariat of State into two Sections: the Section for General Affairs and the Section for Relations with States. Finally, Francis initiated a new process of reform, culminating in 2022 with the Apostolic Constitution  Praedicate Evangelium .

General Affairs

The Section for General Affairs—under the direction of the Substitute, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra—is responsible for handling matters related to the daily service of the Roman Pontiff in his concern for the universal Church. It fosters coordination among the Dicasteries, Offices, and Departments of the Apostolic See, without prejudice to their autonomy, and oversees matters concerning the meetings of the Heads of the curial institutions. It is also responsible for all matters related to the Representatives of States to the Holy See. Furthermore, it is responsible for: drafting and sending the documents entrusted to it by the Holy Father; overseeing the publication of the  Acta Apostolicae Sedis ; providing guidance to the Dicastery for Communication regarding official communications related to both the acts of the Roman Pontiff and the activities of the Holy See; and safeguarding the lead seal and the Ring of the Fisherman. This Section is also responsible for dealing with all matters relating to appointments made or approved by the Roman Pontiff, and for coordinating and publishing statistics on the Church in the world.

Relations with States and International Organizations

The Section for Relations with States and International Organizations—headed by the Secretary, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher—is responsible for addressing matters that must be discussed with civil authorities. This Section is responsible for the Holy See’s diplomatic and political relations with states or other subjects of international law, as well as the Holy See’s representation before intergovernmental organizations and multilateral conferences. It is also responsible for granting  nulla osta  whenever a Dicastery or Office of the Roman Curia intends to publish a declaration or document concerning international relations or ties with civil authorities. Furthermore, in particular circumstances, at the request of the Supreme Pontiff and after consulting the competent Dicasteries of the Curia, it handles all matters relating to the provision for particular Churches, as well as their establishment or modification.

Career diplomatic staff of the Holy See

This Section—under the guidance of the Secretary, Archbishop Luciano Russo—deals with matters concerning those serving in the diplomatic corps of the Holy See, particularly their living and working conditions and their ongoing formation. It also collaborates with the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in the selection and formation of candidates for the diplomatic service of the Holy See. The Section for Career Diplomatic Personnel of the Holy See was established on November 21, 2017, by Pope Francis.

Sharing the challenges and hopes of God’s people

Addressing  the members of this ancient institution on June 5, 2025  , Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude: “It comforts me to know that I am not alone and that I can share the responsibility of my universal ministry with you.” The Secretariat of State is a diverse community that offers “a valuable service to the life of the Church: together,” said Leo XIV, “we share the questions, the difficulties, the challenges, and the hopes of the People of God throughout the world.”