Central administrative and diplomatic office
The Pontifical Secretariat is the central administrative office of the Patriarchal Curia. It is responsible for general administration, diplomatic affairs, inter-jurisdictional relationships, and matters of government.
The Secretariat is headed by the First Archdeacon as Prefect. A Pro-Prefect may assist or lead in circumstances defined by Canon Law. The Church's diplomatic corps operates within the Secretariat to support relations with ecclesiastical jurisdictions, institutions, nations, and cultural leaders.
Its sections and attached offices coordinate the practical work by which decisions of the Holy Apostolic See are recorded, communicated, and carried into effect. The Pontifical Chancery is formally situated within its General Affairs function, while the Patriarchal Aerarium is a subordinate prefecture concerned with treasury and charity.