Pope Francis has elevated Fr. Fernando Vérgez Alzaga to the Episcopal dignity.
Alzaga is a member of the Legionaries of Christ
and last 30 August he was appointed Secretary General of the
Governorate of Vatican City State, a role which also involves overseeing
the work of Vatican collaborators and employees.
On this occasion, the
Pope decided to write to Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, the Governorate’s
President, reminding him of what it means to work in the Vatican.
This
message is a first.
Francis quotes John Paul II’s letter about the
meaning of the work done for the Apostolic See, dated November 20, 1982,
to remind Vatican employees that “this community has first of all a
“unitary” character “also in the different tasks.”
It must keep very
present the principal truths of Catholic Doctrine on human work and, at
the same time, the peculiar connection with the Apostolic See, being in
immediate contact with the Successor of Peter.”
“From the specific nature of the Apostolic See -
which has a spiritual and pastoral mission in favour of the Church of
Rome and of the universal Church -, stems the special responsibility of
those who are linked to it by work and the commitment of scrupulous
fidelity to all the tasks and duties assigned in industriousness,
professionalism and honesty of life.”
Again, quoting John Paul II, Francis said that
“the dependents of the Holy See, therefore, must have the profound
conviction that their work entails first of all an ecclesial
responsibility to be lived in a spirit of genuine faith and that the
juridical-administrative aspects of the relation with the same Apostolic
See are placed in a particular light.”
The Pope reiterated that “it is for the Secretary
General of the Governorate to take care in a direct way the human and
Christian formation of the dependents and collaborators, to coordinate
the priests in charge of spiritual assistance that are already present
in the various sectors, to promote timely initiatives, especially in
concomitance with the pastoral programs of the universal Church and in
intense times of the liturgical year.”
“In consideration of such tasks, I
decided to elevate to the Episcopal order the Reverend Father Fernando
Vergez Alzaga, LC”, Francis concluded.
The Pope’s pastoral concern is clear in this
message: the spiritual life of Vatican staff is important but it is
important not to lose sight of John Paul II’s words which outline the
kind of attitude expected of them.
The controversies that have arisen
over the past two years at the expense of the Governorate, are no
mystery.
Certain Vatileaks documents prove this.