In the Terza Loggia, the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, they are preparing for some personnel changes. This is where the powerful Secretariat of State, which runs the Holy See’s network of embassies and helps the Pope in governing the Church, has its offices. Any visitor would walk past stunning Renaissance paintings of maps of the world, a reminder of the papacy’s global power both past and present. Under Pope Francis, the Secretariat of State, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has consolidated its position of influence, in many ways thanks to Francis’ presence on the world stage. One of the most important English-speaking officials at the secretariat is Mgr Peter Wells, an American priest of the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who has served as assessore