| Secretariate of State
Secretary of State: Cardinal Angelo Sodano
The Secretariat of State closely assists the Supreme
Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme function. The Cardinal Secretary of State presides
over it. It includes two sections, namely the section for general affairs under the
immediate direction of the Substitute, assisted by an Assessor, and the section for
relations with states under the direction of its own Secretary, with the assistance of a
Subsecretary. Attached to this latter section is a body of cardinals and some bishops.
First Section: General Affairs
Substitute: Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re
Assessor: Mons. Pedro Lopez Quintana
The first section handles anything entrusted to it by
the Holy Father, as well as matters of daily business which do not fall within the
competence of other dicasteries. It fosters relations with these departments, with the bishops,
and with the diplomatic missions of the Holy See.
Second Section: Relations with States
Secretary; Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran
Undersecretary; Mons. Celestino Migliore
The second section of the Secretariat of State handles
all matters pertaining to civil governments, fostering diplomatic relations with nations,
and maintaining contact with all the diplomatic missions of the Holy See. It takes care
also of what concerns the presence and activity of the Holy See in international
institutes.
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