Mons. Paolo Rudelli began his service on April 8 as Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, one of the key positions in the governance structure of the Holy See, as reported by the Secretariat of State itself. In the context of this start of duties, the prelate was also received in audience by Pope Leo XIV.
Official presentation at the Secretariat of State
The new Substitute was presented to the staff and collaborators of the Section for General Affairs by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, during a meeting held in the Library of the Secretariat of State.
In the event, the hope was expressed that Mons. Rudelli would carry out a fruitful ministry in service to the Holy See and the universal mission of the Church.
A central role in the functioning of the Vatican
The Substitute for General Affairs is responsible for the ordinary management of the Secretariat of State and coordinates the daily work of the Roman Curia, making him a key figure in the internal functioning of the Vatican.
This appointment places Mons. Rudelli in a position of special relevance within the ecclesial structure, in close collaboration with the cardinal Secretary of State.
Diplomatic career of Mons. Rudelli
Born in Gazzaniga (Italy) in 1972, Paolo Rudelli was ordained a priest in 2001 for the diocese of Bergamo. After his first years of pastoral ministry, he entered the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, where the diplomats of the Holy See are trained, later joining the Vatican diplomatic service.
Throughout his career, he has held positions in various pontifical representations, including assignments in Latin America and Europe, as well as in the Secretariat of State itself, where he gained experience in managing internal affairs and coordinating the diplomatic activity of the Holy See.
In 2014, he was appointed permanent observer of the Holy See to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, where he worked in the field of multilateral relations. Subsequently, in 2023, he was designated apostolic nuncio to Colombia, a position he held until his recent appointment as Substitute for General Affairs.
His profile combines diplomatic experience, knowledge of the Roman Curia, and participation in international organizations, elements that are particularly relevant for the performance of his new responsibility in the Secretariat of State.