The Vatican has confirmed a series of senior appointments within the Roman Curia, bringing to an end weeks of speculation in the Italian media about an imminent reshuffle at the Holy See.
In a set of announcements issued by the Press Office, Pope Leo XIV named new occupants to three key posts, all drawn from the diplomatic corps formed during the pontificate of Pope Francis.
The most significant change concerns Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who is leaving his position as Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.
He has been appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino. The official bulletin stated: “The Holy Father has appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino His Excellency Most Reverend Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra, titular Archbishop of Telepte, currently Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.”
The nunciature in Rome, based at Villa Giorgina, has traditionally been regarded as a prestigious assignment.
Archbishop Peña Parra’s departure from the Secretariat of State brings to a close his tenure as Sostituto, a position in which he exercised considerable authority over the daily functioning of the Curia.
According to earlier reports by the journalist Nico Spuntoni, writing in Il Giornale, a formal request had been submitted to the Italian government as early as February to secure agrément for Peña Parra’s transfer. Subsequent reports suggested that the Venezuelan prelate had declined two proposed assignments before accepting the Rome-based role.
Spuntoni also reported that it is not possible to refuse more than three papal transfers, and that the final arrangement allowed Peña Parra to remain in Rome rather than being sent to what had been described as a more distant posting.
He is succeeded as Substitute for General Affairs by Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, who until now has served as Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia. The Vatican confirmed the appointment in the following terms: “The Holy Father has appointed His Excellency Most Reverend Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, titular Archbishop of Mesembria, until now Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia, as Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.”
Archbishop Rudelli previously served as Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the Council of Europe between 2014 and 2019. His appointment places an experienced diplomat at the centre of the Curia’s administrative life.
A further change sees Archbishop Petar Rajič appointed Prefect of the Papal Household. The office is responsible for organising papal audiences and overseeing the day-to-day schedule of the Roman Pontiff.
The Vatican announcement read: “The Holy Father has appointed as Prefect of the Papal Household His Excellency Most Reverend Archbishop Petar Rajič, titular Archbishop of Sarsenterum, until now Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino.”
Archbishop Rajič replaces Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who left the post in 2023.
Reports of Rajič’s move had circulated earlier in March, with his name emerging as the likely successor in the Papal Household. At the same time, speculation grew that Rudelli would be called to Rome to replace Peña Parra, a prediction that has now been confirmed.
Traditionally, the nunciature to Italy is associated with future advancement within the Church’s hierarchy, including the possibility of elevation to the College of Cardinals. The position’s proximity to the Vatican and its importance in Church–state relations contribute to its standing.
It is not yet clear when Pope Leo XIV will hold his first ordinary consistory at which new cardinals are created. The consistory planned for June is expected to be an extraordinary one, meaning that no cardinals will be created. However, when the first ordinary consistory does take place, Archbishop Peña Parra and Archbishop Paolo Rudelli are likely to be among those considered for elevation to the College of Cardinals.
