Vatican City: In his first formal address to the officials of the Vatican Secretariat of State, Pope Leo XIV described the department as a “vital hub” that bridges the Holy See with the worldwide Catholic Church. Speaking with warmth and candor, the Pope emphasized the indispensable role the Secretariat plays in fostering unity, administering diplomacy, and ensuring that the Pope’s mission remains rooted in the realities and diversity of the global Church.

Meeting with Secretariat officials on Thursday, the Pope offered heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, for his unwavering support during the early days of his pontificate. “Barely a month into this ministry,” Pope Leo said in an unscripted moment, “it is already clear that no Pope can function alone. Your collaboration is essential—and deeply appreciated.”

Founded in the 15th century, the Secretariat of State has evolved to become the Vatican’s principal coordinating body, facilitating both internal Church governance and diplomatic engagement with nations across the globe. Pope Leo noted the inclusive nature of its current staff: over half of its members are laypeople, with a significant number of women—both lay and religious—reflecting the universal face of the Church.

“It is not just a bureaucratic office,” the Pope said, “but a living community that shares in the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of the people of God.” He highlighted the dual calling of the Secretariat: to remain grounded in the present moment (“incarnation”) while embracing a global, inclusive outlook (“catholicity”).

Drawing from the model of Jesus, who entered into human history and spoke the languages of his time, the Pope urged the Secretariat to continue engaging with the world in accessible, culturally relevant ways. “The Gospel must be lived and spoken in the tongues and customs of today’s people,” he said. “Only then can its joy be truly shared.”

The Pope also pointed to the legacy of Pope Saint Paul VI, who initiated key curial reforms to ensure the Vatican remained attentive to the changing tides of history. In line with this tradition, Pope Leo reiterated that the Secretariat must act as the balancing point between grounded action and universal vision—providing practical support to the Dicasteries while helping the Pope unify the Church’s diverse expressions.

Pope Francis’ 2022 Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium reaffirmed this coordinating role, placing the Secretariat at the heart of Vatican governance. Pope Leo acknowledged the heavy responsibility this entails, noting that the office’s work often goes unnoticed or misunderstood, yet remains vital.

As he concluded, Pope Leo XIV invoked the wisdom of Pope Paul VI from 1963, urging the staff to maintain a spirit of fraternity and selfless service. “Let this not be a place of ambition or rivalry,” he said, “but a true community of faith, a home of charity, of brothers and sisters—dedicated wholly to the good of the Church and the mission of the Pope.”