Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra Bids Farewell to Secretariat of State as He Begins New Diplomatic Mission
Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra has expressed deep gratitude and reflection as he concludes his tenure as Substitute for General Affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State, following his new appointment by Pope Leo XIV as Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino. After years of central service within the Vatican’s governance structure, the Venezuelan archbishop met with colleagues and collaborators to formally mark his transition. His farewell carried both personal and institutional significance, highlighting the demanding yet meaningful role he held since 2018 at the heart of the Church’s administrative and diplomatic coordination.
During his final gathering with officials, superiors, and staff of the First Section for General Affairs, Peña Parra reflected on his journey through the lens of a train voyage, describing his service as part of a larger path guided by faith and responsibility. He explained that each phase of his work represented a meaningful stop rather than a final destination, emphasizing continuity and purpose within the Church’s mission. His transition, he noted, is not an ending but a passage into a new form of service, reinforcing the Vatican’s tradition of ongoing commitment and adaptability across different assignments and global contexts.
Addressing Pope Leo XIV directly, the archbishop reaffirmed his loyalty, dedication, and prayerful support, describing his new role as a renewed call to serve in communion and obedience. He also expressed sincere enthusiasm for his upcoming mission in Italy, recognizing its importance within the Vatican’s diplomatic network. His extensive experience in international assignments, including service in countries such as Pakistan and Mozambique since entering diplomatic work in 1993, has shaped his understanding of the Church’s global presence and its engagement with diverse societies and political environments.
Reflecting on his years within the Secretariat of State, Peña Parra described the period as both intense and formative, marked by significant global and institutional challenges. He pointed to the COVID 19 pandemic as a defining moment that tested the resilience of both the Church and the world. He also recalled the emotional impact of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the illness and death of Pope Francis, and the historic conclave that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV. These events, he noted, required not only administrative precision but also spiritual strength and unity within the Vatican’s leadership.
The archbishop also acknowledged moments of institutional difficulty, particularly the legal and reputational challenges surrounding the London property case, which subjected the Holy See to unprecedented scrutiny. He emphasized that these situations demanded transparency, responsibility, and a renewed commitment to integrity within Vatican operations. Despite these pressures, he highlighted the essential role played by the Secretariat in maintaining stability and coordination, often through work that remains unseen but is vital to the functioning of the global Church.
Peña Parra spoke of the profound sense of universality he experienced during his service, noting how the Secretariat of State brings together voices, cultures, and perspectives from across the world. Through collaboration with papal representatives and Vatican officials, he witnessed firsthand the unity of the Church across nations and traditions. He expressed particular gratitude to Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other senior leaders, recognizing their support and leadership throughout his tenure and the collective effort required to navigate complex global and institutional realities.
In his closing remarks, the archbishop extended warm wishes to his successor, Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, expressing hope that he will embrace the role as a time of grace and service. He echoed sentiments rooted in the Church’s tradition of continuity and shared mission, underscoring the enduring commitment to serve both the Pope and the global community. As he prepares to assume his new diplomatic responsibilities, Peña Parra leaves behind a legacy shaped by dedication, resilience, and a deep understanding of the Church’s evolving role in a rapidly changing world.
