Orietta Ferretti Retires After 47 Years Coordinating Vatican Travel

Orietta Ferretti Retires After 47 Years of Vatican Service

Four Decades of Vatican Logistics

For nearly half a century, Orietta Ferretti served as a central, if behind-the-scenes, figure in the Vatican’s operational life. Within the small world of the Vatican City State, Ferretti became recognized as an institution in her own right—a figure whose name and office were widely known even among those who had never met her. Her role involved constant communication, often characterized by a pleasant and lively voice on the telephone announcing, Biglietto fatto, tutto ok (Ticket done, everything okay).

Her work required navigating high-stakes international travel under immense time pressure. According to accounts shared with Vatican media, she coordinated Pope Francis’s visit to Lesbos in fewer than fifteen days. Ferretti’s dedication to the role was marked by her constant availability; she admitted to keeping her computer open at all hours to manage sudden changes in programs, cancelled flights, or clergy members stranded in foreign countries. Her service included participation in papal travels, such as the journey to Asia-Oceania where Pope Francis requested her presence in his official entourage.

Service Beyond the Office

Ferretti’s reputation within the Vatican was defined by a highly personal style of communication. Colleagues and institutional visitors frequently encountered her direct, energetic manner, often characterized by her habit of engaging in extended conversations beyond the immediate business of booking flights to better understand the needs of those she assisted. This approach earned her a status often reserved for long-standing institutions rather than individual employees.

Ho acceso il pc in qualsiasi ora: fosse il Papa o l’ultimo degli ultimi. Per aiutare gli altri non servono cariche, ma solo tanto amore, Ferretti stated, reflecting on her philosophy of service. She emphasized that she made no distinction between the rank of the person she was helping, whether it was the Pope or l’ultimo degli ultimi (the least of the least).

This philosophy of service—prioritizing the needs of the individual regardless of rank—was the hallmark of her tenure. Even as communication in the Vatican shifted toward faster, more digital, and at times colder interactions, Ferretti maintained a hands-on method. Her career concluded with a private audience with Leo XIV, who met with her to offer his personal thanks. Reflecting on the meeting, Ferretti noted, È stata veramente una grossa emozione. Ho parlato solo io perché parlo tanto. Gli ho detto che in questi tre viaggi aveva fatto un’evoluzione enorme anche in come si rapportava con le persone. Che c’era tanto amore.

Retirement and Family Priorities

Ferretti’s final day of work, Tuesday, July 21, coincided with her 66th birthday. Her retirement plans focus on her immediate family, including her parents, aged 93 and 90, her husband, and her two daughters. She is also a grandmother to twin girls born fourteen months ago, with another grandchild expected in December. Beyond her professional life, Ferretti was known for her athleticism, having spent many years as a basketball player and, for a period, playing on the Vatican women’s football team.

Reflecting on her departure, Ferretti acknowledged that the transition will require adjustment, particularly the cessation of the technical oversight she maintained for decades. However, she expressed readiness for this new chapter, noting, Ho speso tutta la mia vita per la Santa Sede, l’ho fatto sempre con passione, con tanto amore. Her exit has prompted a wave of messages, emails, and calls from across the Vatican’s offices and Dicasteries, reflecting the widespread recognition of her role in facilitating the movement of the Church’s leadership across the globe.

Sources: Vaticannews, europesays.com.