Peña Parra: Vatican State Dept. Thanks for Service

Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra has been appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino, succeeding his role as Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. Peña Parra addressed colleagues Monday, describing his experiences and future outlook using the metaphor of a train journey.

Loyalty and dedication to the Pope

Archbishop Peña Parra assured Pope Leo XIV of his “loyalty, dedication, and prayer,” expressing gratitude for the appointment, which he views as “a renewed call to service, in communion and obedience.” He also stated his happiness at beginning this new mission in Italy. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Peña Parra has served the Holy See diplomatically since 1993, including postings in Pakistan and Mozambique.

On a “Frecciarossa” train

The archbishop likened his years of service to traveling on a train, progressing toward a final destination with stops along the way. He described the pace of Church life as akin to traveling on Italy’s high-speed “Frecciarossa” train, where one is entrusted with a portion of the journey and the care of those encountered. He characterized transitions between assignments as arriving at a station – not the end, but “a passage” where responsibility is handed off and direction changes.

Challenges and service at the Secretariat of State

Peña Parra emphasized the significant challenges faced during his time in the Secretariat of State, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the illness of Pope Francis, and the subsequent funeral. He also highlighted the “delicate phases” of the Conclave, culminating in the election of Pope Leo XIV.

He acknowledged “moments of institutional suffering,” specifically the lengthy legal proceedings related to the London property affair, which subjected the Holy See and the Secretariat of State to unprecedented scrutiny, demanding rigor, transparency, and responsibility.

The universality of the Church

Overall, Peña Parra said the Section for General Affairs has been called to safeguard, coordinate, and support a silent, essential service to the universal Church. He expressed “fraternal gratitude” to Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and to the superiors of the other Sections, including Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Archbishop Jan Pawłowski, and Archbishop Luciano Russo. He also offered a “special remembrance” to pontifical representatives, through whom he experienced the Church’s presence in diverse nations and cultures.

Good wishes to the new Substitute

Peña Parra extended fraternal wishes to Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, his successor, hoping he will embrace the role as a time of grace. He concluded with words spoken years ago by then-Substitute Giovanni Battista Montini, the future Pope Paul VI: “You will always find here, in those who will succeed me, what I have always wished to offer you: the highest esteem, the deepest gratitude, and the most resolute and devoted intention to work with you for the good of the world.”