Pope Francis is convening pontifical representatives to the Holy See this week.
In a statement published in various languages, Director of the Holy See Press Office, Alessandro Gisotti, made this announcement, giving various details.
“The Holy Father,” the Vatican spokesman began, “has convened a meeting of the Pontifical Representatives to take place in the Vatican this upcoming 12 to 15 June,” explaining: “The Holy Father desires to consolidate the triennial recurrence of these meetings after those which took place in 2013 and 2016.”
The Holy Father entrusted the meeting’s preparation and coordination to the Secretariat of State’s Section for the Diplomatic Staff of the Holy See.
“Taking part in the meeting,” Gisotti elaborated, “are the 103 Pontifical Representatives, of which 98 are Apostolic Nuncios and 5 are Permanent Observers. On the final day, 15 June, another 46 retired Apostolic Nuncios have also been invited.”
On June 13, the Pope will receive those participating in the meeting, and give an address.
“In addition to two meetings with the Superiors of the Secretariat of State, the program,” Alessandro Gisotti said, “includes several conferences to update the participants on current ecclesial matters, international collaboration and interreligious dialogue.” Several work sessions will take place in continental groups, and other meetings are also planned with the Heads of Dicasteries of the Roman Curia and with the Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See resident in Rome.
“The Meeting,” he noted, “will also contain some particularly significant spiritual moments,” including Pope Francis presiding over Mass the morning of June 15 in the Chapel of his residence, Casa Santa Marta.
Moreover, Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside over the opening Mass on June 12, and there will be other moments of prayer for the participants in the Sistine Chapel.
The event will conclude on June 15, with lunch of all the participants with the Holy Father at Casa Santa Marta.
