Vatican City: As the Vatican marks the Jubilee of the Holy See, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has shared insights on the pivotal role played by Apostolic Nuncios in global ecclesial and diplomatic outreach. In a reflective interview with Vatican Media ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s audience with Pontifical Representatives on June 10, Cardinal Parolin described the Nuncios as essential conduits—linking the Pope to the world’s local Churches, the Church to nations, and humanity’s pain to the healing hope of the Gospel.

“The Pontifical Representative is entrusted with the diplomacy of the Gospel,” he said, emphasizing their mission of fostering dialogue and reconciliation. “They are to be sowers of peace,” he added, pointing to their unique vocation of bridging divides in an increasingly fractured world.

The Jubilee serves not only as a moment of celebration but also of deep communion. Cardinal Parolin noted that for Pontifical Representatives—many of whom live as spiritual nomads—it is a rare and vital gathering. Though scattered across continents, these envoys return to Rome like a dispersed family reuniting at the heart of the Church.

This event highlights the interplay between the Church’s universal mission and her local presence. As intermediaries between the Pope and local communities, Nuncios uphold unity, working under the guidance of the Secretariat of State to maintain coherence and continuity in Church diplomacy and ecclesial life worldwide.

While Apostolic Nuncios engage directly with civil governments and international organizations, their mission extends far beyond the realm of politics. They are not conventional diplomats seeking geopolitical advantage but ambassadors of a spiritual message—of justice, truth, and mercy rooted in the teachings of Christ.

“They must be shepherds as much as envoys,” the Cardinal stressed. Their identity is fundamentally pastoral: nurturing communion among bishops, walking alongside priests and religious, and remaining close to the faithful. Their credibility comes not just from diplomatic skill, but from their priestly heart.

In assessing the attributes vital for Pontifical Representatives today, Cardinal Parolin pointed to three: humility, evangelical fervor, and a spirit of reconciliation. Humility, he said, allows them to trust in divine providence even in turbulent times. Zeal fuels their witness to Christ’s light, especially in distant or wounded parts of the world.

But above all, they must be artisans of peace—men capable of mediation and deep listening. “Diplomacy rooted in the Gospel seeks dialogue, not domination,” he stated. In a world often tempted to see adversaries in every other, the Church’s diplomats are called to recognize the shared dignity of each person and open paths for healing.

For over three centuries, the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy has been shaping the Holy See’s future envoys. In light of emerging global challenges, its recent reforms aim to deepen both the spiritual and professional training of Vatican diplomats. These priests are being equipped not just with linguistic and geopolitical expertise, but with hearts attuned to Christ’s mission.

The vision for the new generation of Church diplomats is clear: men who embody the Magisterium of Peter, promote communion, and sow peace amid division. Their mission is not merely institutional—it is evangelical, rooted in the Church’s timeless task of bringing the light of Christ to every corner of the globe.

Cardinal Parolin’s reflections remind us that the Church’s diplomacy is not about statecraft for its own sake. It is a form of spiritual outreach—offering consolation to a broken world, extending the hand of peace where others see conflict, and proclaiming that even amid chaos, the Gospel remains a wellspring of hope. Apostolic Nuncios are not just emissaries of Rome; they are emissaries of peace, carrying the Gospel’s enduring promise to the crossroads of history.