Pope Leo XIV met with Pontifical Representatives this morning in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, expressing gratitude for their service and emphasizing the vital role of papal diplomacy in fostering global fraternity and peace.
Newsroom, June 10, 2025, Gaudium Press In his address to Pontifical Representatives, the Holy Father praised them for their irreplaceable ministry, particularly in the selection of episcopal candidates. “Your role is indispensable,” he said. “The Church would be unable to fulfill many aspects of its mission without your sacrifice and dedication.”
Reflecting on the universality of the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, Pope Leo XIV noted its unique character. “No other nation has a diplomatic body as globally representative—or as united—as ours,” he said. “Our communion is not merely functional; we are bound in Christ and in the Church, embodying the message of human fraternity and peace.”
Acknowledging the Representatives’ behind-the-scenes work, the Pope thanked them for their meticulous documentation and analysis, which aid his decision-making. “When I address matters concerning the Church in a particular nation, I rely on your insights,” he said. “Your pastoral dedication and spirit of faith ensure that the Pope remains connected to the needs and aspirations of the faithful worldwide.”
Drawing from the Acts of the Apostles (3:1-10), the Pope likened their mission to that of St. Peter, who healed a crippled man not with material wealth but with the power of Christ. “Like Peter, you are called to build relationships, to look into the eyes of those who have lost hope,” he said. “You may not have all the solutions, but you carry what matters most: Christ, the true meaning of life.”
The request Peter makes to this man – “Look at us” – makes us think. To look into one’s eyes means to build a relationship. The ministry of Peter is to create relationships, bridges: and a Representative of the Pope, first and foremost, serves this invitation to look into the eyes. Always be the eyes of Peter! Be men capable of building relationships where it is hardest to do. But in doing so, preserve the same humility and the same realism of Peter, who is well aware that he does not have the solution to everything: “I have neither silver nor gold”, he says; but he knows he has what counts, namely Christ, the deepest meaning of every existence: “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, walk!”.
Pope Leo XIV urged the diplomats to stand with the marginalized, defend religious freedom, and bear witness to love in the face of suffering. “The Church will always be on the side of the poor, the oppressed, and those denied dignity,” he affirmed.
Concluding his address, the Pope reminded the Representatives of their bond with the Successor of Peter, symbolized by the gift of a ring inscribed sub umbra Petri (“under the shadow of Peter”). “Your ministry thrives in obedience and communion with the Pope,” he said. “May you be missionaries of unity, inspired by the examples of saintly diplomats like John XXIII and Paul VI.”
The audience followed the previous day’s Jubilee celebration for the Holy See, during which the Pontifical Representatives joined the Pope in passing through the Holy Door—a symbol, he said, of their shared call to be “courageous witnesses of Christ, our hope.”
Before departing, Pope Leo XIV imparted his blessing, encouraging the diplomats to carry forward their work with faith and humility.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from vatican.va
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