(ZENIT News / Rome, 09.09.2024).- In a significant step towards the renewal of Vatican Diplomacy, Pope Francis designated Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai, one of the Pontiff’s principal advisers, Coordinator ofa study group hat will assess the role of Papal Representatives throughout the world. This move, promoted by the Pope’s reformist vision, seek that the Apostolic Nunciatures and other Holy See bodies operate in a more missionary and synodal way, in tune with the changes gestating in the Catholic Church.
New Focus for the Nunciatures
The Nunciatures, which act as Embassies of the Vatican in the different counties, play a crucial role in the communication between the Poe and the local Churches, as well as in the representation of the Holy See to the Governments. Under he leadership of Cardinal Gracias, the study will focus on improving the functioning of these key institutions, guaranteeing that their work is not limited to a merely diplomatic role, but that it be more aligned with the pastoral and evangelizing mission of the Church.
Cardinal Gracias will not be alone in his task. Important figures such as Cardinal Mario Grech, who heads he Synod’s S, and. Monsignor Luciano Russo, Secretary of the Papal Representatives, will be at his side and contribute to the study that, according to Pope Francis’ expectations must be ready before June 2025.
An Unprecedented Mandate
This effort arises as part of a series of identified points by the Pope during the first session of the Synodal Assembly in October 2023. One of those issues is the need to redefine the relationship between the Papal Representations and he local Churches, ensuring that there is greater closeness and synergy between them. The final aim is that the Nunciatures be true bridges that foster understanding and cooperation on pastoral and ecclesial subject
Although this topic will not be addressed directly in the next Synod session, planned for October 2024, it will offer participants a preliminary report, with the objective of detailing work plans and receiving feedback on the study’s progress.
A Synodal and Missionary Focus
On several occasions, Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of making the Church a more synodal institution, namely, that she listen and respond to the needs of the local communities. In this context, not only must the Nunciatures function as diplomatic delegations but also as vehicles that promote a spirit of collaboration and mission. This structural renewal is in consonance with the Pope’s pastoral focus, who has called the Church to come out of her traditional structures and be more active in evangelization and social commitment.
Cardinal Gracias, who has extensive experience in Vatican diplomacy and profound knowledge of the Church in Asia, is a key figure to take this transformation forward. His leadership in this study group underscores the seriousness with which the Vatican addresses this reform process.
Key Meetings and Projections for the Future
The group’s work has already begun with a series of meetings in Rome between leaders of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State and Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of different Continents. The initial conversations seek to lay the foundation for an in-depth and multidimensional analysis of the role played by Papal Representatives today.
It is hoped that the study group’s recommendations can influence not only the Nunciatures’ structures , but also the formation of the Holy See’s diplomatic personnel, which has been prepared traditionally in the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. The objective is to form future diplomats with a more pastoral and less bureaucratic mentality, in agreement with Pope Francis’ missionary vision.
Towards a Church More Open to the World
This assessment and reform process is a further step in Pope Francis’ wider project to make the Church a more open and transparent institution in constant dialogue with the world. Ecclesial diplomacy, traditionally centered on relations between States, is called to play a more active role in the pastoral life of local communities, especially in contexts where he Church faces specific challenges, such as religious persecution or lack of resources.
