Calling of the Apostles, 1841, by Domenico Ghirlandaio

The Apostolic Nuncio is an ecclesiastical diplomat who serves as the ambassador of the Holy Father to a civil government with which the Holy See maintains formal diplomatic relations. According to the Code of Canon Law, the Apostolic Nuncio holds two primary roles: one diplomatic, the other ecclesiastical.

In his diplomatic function, the Apostolic Nuncio is comparable to ambassadors of other nations. He is tasked with fostering and advancing good relations between the civil government and the Holy See. This includes observing and reporting on the political, social and religious situation in the country, particularly relating to the life and development of the local Church.

In his ecclesiastical function, the Apostolic Nuncio plays a key role in strengthening the bond between the local Church and the Holy Father. One concrete manifestation of this role is his involvement in the process of identifying candidates for the episcopacy. While the authority to appoint a bishop rests solely with the Pope, the Apostolic Nuncio’s task is to provide relevant and reliable information that aids the Holy Father in making an informed decision.

To further illuminate this vocation, in an address to Apostolic Nuncios, Pope Leo XIV underscored the essential role of Papal Representatives in conveying the aspirations and needs of the local Church. This, he said, enables the Pope to participate more deeply in the life of the faithful. Drawing upon the account of St. Peter healing a paralyzed man, the Holy Father remarked:

“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!’.”

As a sign of this identity, Pope Leo XIV presented each Nuncio with a ring inscribed with the words sub umbra Petri, “under the shadow of Peter.” Through this symbolic gesture, the Pope emphasized that the Apostolic Nuncio’s ministry is inseparable from communion with the Successor of St. Peter:

“Always feel you are bound to Peter, protected by Peter, sent by Peter. Only in obedience and in effective communion with the Pope may your ministry be effective for the edification of the Church, in communion with the local bishops.”

At the same time, Pope Leo XIV reminded the Nuncios of the missionary character of their vocation. Sent to the far corners of the world as bridges between the universal Church and local Church, they are to embody the Church’s call to promote unity, human dignity, and dialogue:

“Feel that you are missionaries, sent by the Pope to be tools of communion, unity, serving the dignity of the human person, promoting sincere and constructive relations everywhere with the authorities with whom you are required to cooperate. May your competence always be enlightened by the sound decision for holiness.”

In conclusion, the Apostolic Nuncio stands not merely as a diplomatic agent, but as a living witness to the Petrine ministry: a servant of unity, a channel of communion and a bridge between the heart of the Church and the world. Rooted in obedience to the Pope and animated by a spirit of humility and missionary zeal, the Apostolic Nuncio’s vocation is one of profound pastoral significance. In a divided world, he is called to see with the eyes of Peter and act with the heart of Christ, embodying the Church’s presence as both shepherd and servant among the nations.