Vatican Labour Office Reaffirms Commitment to Employee Rights
The Labour Office of the Apostolic See continues to frame its mission around dialogue, listening, and collaboration as it responds to concerns about working conditions within Vatican institutions. Speaking in a recent interview, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi emphasized that the office operates with an open door approach, positioning itself as a place of encounter rather than confrontation. The mandate of the office was reinforced with the approval of its updated statute by Pope Leo XIV, a move presented as part of a broader effort to apply the Church’s social doctrine consistently within the governance of the Holy See. According to Sprizzi, the revised framework strengthens representativeness and unity among employees, while reaffirming that the protection of workers remains integral to the Vatican’s institutional mission and moral responsibility.
Addressing recent expressions of dissatisfaction among some Vatican employees, Sprizzi acknowledged a survey conducted by the Association of Vatican Lay Employees that highlighted concerns ranging from workplace trust to perceptions of injustice. While noting that the number of respondents represents a small portion of the overall workforce, he stressed that even isolated grievances warrant careful attention. The Labour Office, formally known as the Labour Office of the Apostolic See, treats every report as an opportunity for assessment and dialogue. Its task is to evaluate individual cases in light of legal norms and the Church’s social teaching, and to engage with relevant Vatican administrations to seek remedies that uphold dignity and fairness without undermining the shared mission of the Holy See.
Sprizzi also rejected the notion of rivalry between employee associations and Vatican structures, insisting that cooperation remains essential. He described frequent exchanges with employee representatives and the establishment of technical working groups that bring together administrative leaders and lay associations under the mediation of the Labour Office. This process, he said, reflects a commitment to synodal practice within Vatican governance, where diverse voices contribute constructively to common solutions. Financial constraints and institutional responsibilities can sometimes slow reforms, yet these realities are presented as challenges to be addressed creatively rather than barriers to justice. The emphasis remains on maintaining trust and ensuring that no situation of inequity is allowed to persist within an institution that seeks to witness to Gospel values.
Reflecting on the broader climate within Vatican employment, Sprizzi expressed confidence that widespread discontent does not define the workforce. He pointed to measures taken during recent global crises, when job security and salaries were preserved despite financial strain, as evidence of institutional care for employees. Additional initiatives in areas such as family services, accessibility for persons with disabilities, healthcare, and retirement support were cited as signs of ongoing attention to human dignity. At the same time, he acknowledged unresolved issues, including the alignment of compensation with responsibilities in certain roles. For the Labour Office, these challenges are moral imperatives that demand continued vigilance, transparency, and engagement rooted in the Church’s long standing tradition of social justice.
