Bishop William Crean has today welcomed the appointment of Monsignor Joseph Murphy to the position as Head of Protocol Office of the Secretariat of State (The Vatican, Rome). Monsignor Murphy is a priest of the Diocese of Cloyne.
Bishop Crean said, “This is a great personal honour for Monsignor Joe, and his family, the laity and clergy of the Diocese of Cloyne can take great delight in his new appointment. On this happy occasion I invite the faithful to join with me in prayer for God’s blessing on Monsignor Joe’s work in the service of the Holy See and the universal Church.”
The Protocol Office deals with relations with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, with the procedures concerning the granting of the agrément for new Ambassadors, their reception when they arrive in Rome, their first protocol visits to the Substitute for General Affairs for the presentation of copies of their credential letters and to the Secretary for Relations with States, the official communication of the solemn Audience for the presentation of credential letters to the Pope and all the formalities relating to diplomatic personnel accredited to the Holy. It also deals with official requests for audiences with the Holy and the sending of temporary Pontifical Missions and envoys. The work of the office is coordinated by the Head of Protocol.
