Did you know that the Vatican has its own special group of ambassadors, called 'nuncios', spread out all across the world?
These papal nuncios undergo a thorough, rigorous, and demanding formation. They train here, at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. This year marks 325 years since its founding, and to celebrate the occasion, it welcomed the top brass: Pope Leo XIV.
During his time meeting with them, Pope Leo shared an address in which he spoke about the “special vocation to serve peace, truth, and justice” that is carried out by these diplomatic priests and clergy of the Holy See.
But what exactly do they do? They represent the Pope and the Church to the rest of the world—but their role goes beyond politics. They also defend human dignity, acting as bridges between the Church and governments, and they bear witness to the Christian faith.
Their training lasts between two and four years and is based on four key pillars: academic rigor, diplomacy, missionary work, and spirituality.
This institution is based in the heart of Rome, in Piazza della Minerva. There, Pope Leo unveiled a commemorative plaque and signed the anniversary seal alongside the Vatican's second-ranking official, Pietro Parolin. Also present was President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Raffaella Petrini and Monsignor Salvatore Pennacchio, the President of the Academy.
A question that you may be wondering at this point is why these special diplomatic priests are called “nuncios.” But the answer is simple: in Latin, nuntius means “messenger” or “envoy,” and in this case, the Pope's ambassador.
James O'Reilly
