Pope Leo XIV has appointed the current apostolic nuncio to Colombia, Paolo Rudelli, as the new substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State, a position considered the third-highest in the Vatican’s power structure.
The decision places him at the core of the Holy See’s day-to-day management and makes him one of the most influential figures in the papal circle.
The move implies his immediate departure from Bogota, where he had served as the Vatican’s diplomatic representative since mid-2023. His time in Colombia, though brief, was marked by an active presence in social, political, and ecclesial issues in a country marked by tensions and processes of change.
Nuncio to Colombia named Vatican’s third-highest-ranking official
The position Paolo Rudelli will assume is one of the most decisive within the Curia. As substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State, he will be responsible for coordinating the daily functioning of the Vatican apparatus, overseeing the Pope’s agenda, and managing communication with nunciatures around the world.
It is a strategic role that functions as the operational hub of the Holy See. From there, key decisions are channeled, and the internal pulse of the Church in its global dimension is maintained. His influence is second only to that of the Secretary of State, making the appointment a clear sign of trust from Leo XIV.
In this sense, the new role Rudelli will take on reaches a level comparable to that of a “prime minister,” succeeding Venezuelan Edgar Peña Parra, who has been appointed to the Apostolic Nunciature in Italy and San Marino.
The choice also reflects Rudelli’s profile as an experienced and discreet diplomat. Throughout his career, he has held posts in various international contexts, allowing him to develop a broad view of contemporary political and ecclesial challenges. His arrival at the center of Vatican power is seen as part of a broader reorganization driven by the new pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV makes three significant appointments: Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia, takes the place of Substitute for General Affairs Edgar Peña Parra, who becomes Apostolic Nuncio to Italy, succeeding Petar Rajič, who has been appointed Prefect of the…
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 30, 2026
Rudelli’s time in Colombia
Paolo Rudelli arrived in Colombia in July 2023, after being appointed by then Pope Francis as apostolic nuncio. From that moment, he took on the dual role of ambassador to the Colombian state and direct liaison with the local Church, in a mission that combines diplomacy, mediation, and pastoral support.
During his tenure, he maintained a fluid relationship with the government and with different sectors of society. The apostolic nunciature, with the rank of an embassy, is a key actor in the dialogue between the Holy See and the country, especially in times of political or social tension.
One of the most visible features of his work was his presence in territories affected by violence and inequality. Rudelli visited areas such as Buenaventura, where he conveyed messages of closeness from the Pope to communities affected by conflict and poverty. These actions reflected a style of diplomacy less focused on protocol and more connected to local realities.
In the public sphere, he also took part in debates on the country’s situation. At different moments, he defended the importance of democratic participation and the value of voting as an expression of citizens’ dignity. His statements came in a context marked by political polarization and by the state’s efforts to advance dialogue with armed players.
His time in Colombia coincided with a period of transformation and tension, in which the Church maintained its historic role as mediator and moral reference in a country where the Catholic faith remains predominant among the population.
In that context, the nuncio acted as a figure of balance, combining institutional representation with an active presence on the ground.
A diplomat for a new phase
Born in Italy in 1970, Paolo Rudelli belongs to a generation of diplomats trained in the ecclesiastical academy with a strong international outlook. Before arriving in Bogota, he served as nuncio in Zimbabwe and worked in roles linked to Europe, gaining experience in diverse political contexts.
His appointment as the Vatican’s number three reflects a bet on technical profiles at a time when the Holy See faces complex challenges, from internal governance to its role in international conflicts and global debates.
For Colombia, his departure closes a short but significant chapter in which the Pope’s representative maintained a line of closeness with the country. For the Vatican, by contrast, it opens a new phase in which Rudelli will be a central figure in decision-making.
The appointment confirms that Leo XIV is moving forward in shaping his team with trusted figures. It also places a diplomat who traveled through some of Colombia’s most complex regions at the heart of power in the Catholic Church.