Welcome to a new chapter in Vatican diplomacy! Pope Francis has breathed new life into the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, an institution steeped in over three centuries of history. This academy, known as the Accademia, has been reformed to train diplomats who will serve as faithful witnesses of the Church, dedicated to fostering dialogue and justice in our world.
The Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, spoke with Vatican Media about the essence of this reform. He emphasized the Academy’s mission to prepare diplomats who will represent the Pope with a missionary zeal, transcending borders and advocating for a more just and fraternal society.
So, what qualities does Pope Francis believe a good Vatican diplomat should possess? According to the Holy Father, these diplomats are like “priests with suitcases in hand,” embodying a pastoral, missionary, and universal spirit in their service. This vision has led to a restructuring of the formation process for diplomats, aligning it with the challenges of our modern world.
The heart of the reform lies in the Academy’s evolution into an institute of advanced education and research in diplomatic sciences. This renewed curriculum integrates various disciplines alongside core diplomatic studies, aiming to equip students with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of international relations.
But this renewal is more than just a technical adjustment. It reflects the Church’s commitment to dialogue, communion, and evangelization in a global context. The Academy’s formation program will be developed in harmony with the Roman Curia’s working methods and the Church’s mission, emphasizing dialogue with contemporary culture.
Pope Francis’s reform expands the scope of the Holy See’s diplomatic mission, focusing on concrete challenges and qualities essential for representing the Apostolic See on the world stage. The Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy becomes a training ground for diplomats who embody the virtues of humility, gentleness, courage, and creativity in promoting peace and religious freedom.
Amidst today’s global challenges, the reform positions the Academy as a beacon of hope for diplomacy and multilateralism. Through careful discernment and witness of faith, diplomats are called to build bridges of peace and justice, reflecting the Gospel’s message of dialogue, reconciliation, and peace.
As we embark on this new era in Vatican diplomacy, let us uphold the hope that well-prepared diplomats will emerge, ready to tackle the world’s challenges with competence, sensitivity, and an evangelical spirit. Let us strive for a diplomacy that serves as an instrument of peace, justice, and solidarity among nations, guided by the vision of Pope Francis.
