In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!

Good morning everyone, welcome!

Dear Gentlemen, Antechamber Attendants and Ushers,

I am particular happy about this meeting which – for once – is dedicated to you, and allows me to say a word of gratitude and encouragement. I greet the Regent of the Papal Household, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, and the vice-regent, Father Edward Daleng, O.S.A., who coordinate your service. I express my gratitude to all of you, especially for the spirit of fidelity to the Pope with which you carry it out. This dedication accompanies me and helps me every day in the apostolic mission, for the benefit of all those I meet in state visits, audiences, and both solemn and more informal occasions. In this regard, I think your work can be summarized well by three verbs, which encapsulate its meaning and its value: arrange, welcome, greet.

Indeed, the quality of a meeting begins with the care that distinguishes its preparation, down to the last details. The space we inhabit, very rich in history and art, requires in this respect a service as careful as it is humble. The arrangement of the rooms is followed by the diligence of gestures of welcome and greeting that are noble but not affected, elegant but not sophisticated, so as to communicate affability to everyone. Whether prince or pilgrim, patriarch or postulant, the solicitude of the Successor of Peter remains the same towards all and loving towards each one.

The sober beauty that characterizes papal protocol is reflected in in your every gesture. Thinking of the history of those who have gone before you, bear witness to their values with a consistent life, knowing well that the service of honour certainly requires a particular code of ethics, but even more so a solid faith, and therefore a spiritual style marked by devotion to the Church and the Pope. May your daily actions, posture and gaze always be a shining reflection of this.

As I urge you to continue committedly in the various services in which you collaborate, each according to your own task, I confirm my gratitude to you by imparting the Apostolic Blessing, which I gladly extend to your families and loved ones. Thank you!

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 1 February 2026