Secretariat of State (Holy See)

The Secretariat of State is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and is the most important dicastery of the Roman Curia. It is responsible for the political and diplomatic functions of the Holy See.

The Secretariat is headed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, who is appointed by the Pope. The Cardinal Secretary of State is considered the Pope's chief advisor and coordinates the activities of the Roman Curia. He essentially acts as the Pope's prime minister.

The Secretariat of State is divided into two sections:

• Section for General Affairs (First Section): This section deals with the day-to-day operations of the Holy See, including the preparation of papal documents, managing communications, and handling matters related to the internal administration of the Vatican City State. It is headed by the Substitute for General Affairs, a senior official within the Secretariat.

• Section for Relations with States (Second Section): This section, sometimes referred to as the "Secretariat for Relations with States and International Organizations," is responsible for the Holy See's diplomatic relations with other countries and international organizations. It handles matters such as negotiating concordats, representing the Holy See at international conferences, and promoting peace and justice in the world. It is headed by the Secretary for Relations with States, who functions as the foreign minister of the Holy See.

The Secretariat of State plays a crucial role in the governance of the Catholic Church and the Holy See's engagement with the international community.