Papal Secretariat of State

The Papal Secretariat of State is a key administrative body within the Roman Curia, the central government of the Roman Catholic Church. It works closely with the pope, serving as his primary advisor and assisting in governing the church and managing its external relations with other countries.12

The Secretariat is divided into sections, including General Affairs, Relations with States, and Diplomatic Staff. It oversees the Holy See's diplomatic services and maintains relations with international organizations. The Cardinal Secretary of State, who heads the Secretariat, is often considered the functional equivalent of a prime minister within the church hierarchy. This office is crucial for the day-to-day operations and international diplomacy of the Holy See.32