Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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PAPAL SECRETARY OF STATE

The closest associate of the Pope. His office came into canonical existence under Pope Innocent XII in 1692 and was totally revised by Pope Paul VI in 1967. the papal secretariat's role is to develop all the functions entrusted to it by the Sovereign Pontiff, to watch over the various congregations and commissions of the Roman Curia, with special attention to the Commission for Social Communications, and in general to help the Pope in his care for the universal Church.