Pope approves new statute of Labour Office of the Apostolic See (ULSA)

By Salvatore Cernuzio

The new statute approved by Pope Leo XIV for the Labour Office of the Apostolic See (ULSA)—the body responsible for promoting and strengthening the working community of the Apostolic See—features several significant innovations.

These include a broader Council, with representation for the first time from the Secretariat of State, the Vicariate of Rome, the Vatican’s healthcare services (FAS, Fondo Assistenza Sanitaria), and the Pension Fund; a greater, more “synodal” involvement of the various represented entities; taking on a consultative role to assist Dicasteries, the Governorate, and other bodies in drafting specific regulations and other normative acts; and the requirement of expertise in labor law and Vatican law for lawyers involved in disputes brought by employees and former employees.

Rescript

The Pope’s measure was established through a Rescriptum signed on November 25, 2025 (the same day as the new General Regulation of the Roman Curia), following an audience granted in the preceding days to Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

The document sets out premises and objectives: expanding the representativeness of the ULSA Council, encouraging the active involvement of the Administrations represented within it, and improving the efficiency and internal coordination of the Office itself.

At the foundation of the papal Rescript is a unanimous decision of the ULSA Council itself, but, above all, it reflects the Pope’s particular attention to employment at the Holy See and to the application of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

These two topics have been highlighted by the Pope Leo XIV since the beginning of his pontificate.

Confirmation of all previous functions and competencies

With this “amended Statute” (the 1988 Statute had already been confirmed and amended over the years by Popes Benedict XVI and Francis), Pope Leo confirms all previous functions and competencies, including those related to personnel training.

The Office was established thirty-five years ago in 1988 by Saint John Paul II and entered into force on January 1, 1989.

It focuses on work “in all its forms and expressions” within the Roman Curia, the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, and the bodies or entities administratively managed directly by the Apostolic See (the so-called “Administrations”).

A broader council

At the same time, the Statute outlines several significant innovations in the structure of the body.

Currently it is composed of a President appointed by the Pope (Monsignor Marco Sprizzi); two Assessors appointed by the Secretary of State (Professor Angelo Pandolfo and attorney Giovanni Giustiniani), who are experts in labour issues and personnel management; a director (Professor Pasquale Passalacqua); a Board of Conciliation and Arbitration made up of people “qualified by legal preparation, prudence, and fairness”; and a Council.

Amongst the most notable innovations of the new Statute is the expansion of the Council, which is responsible for consultation and drafting normative proposals.

In addition to the members of the Council already appointed, who serve for five years (and include representatives of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Secretariat for the Economy, APSA, the Governorate, etc.), a representative of the Secretariat of State has been added. This is the first time the Secretariat is involved in the activities of ULSA.

The Council members also include a representative of the Vicariate of Rome, highlighting the Vicariate's presence in the Apostolic See.

Additionally, there is a representative of the Pension Fund and one of the FAS, the Vatican’s healthcare services. This will help improve regulatory technicalities.

Thus, four new figures have been added to the body, signalling the Pope's desire to enhance the fruitfulness and effectiveness of the Council.

A “Synodal” working style

The Statute also provides for the possibility for individual Council members to propose items for inclusion on the agenda at the President's discretionary evaluation, something that previously required the proposal of at least four members.

This aims to strengthen a more “synodal” way of working and involves and commits individual Administrations and staff representatives to contribute more “creatively” to the Council’s work.

Assisting Dicasteries in developing specific regulations

The Statute confirms ULSA’s work in helping develop the working community. These include drafting and proposing amendments, additions, and repeals and issuing opinions on labour matters related to normative acts and regulations; improving the economic, welfare, and pension conditions of personnel; and promoting training through participation in high-level cultural and professional development initiatives.

In addition to these functions, ULSA will also provide assistance and technical and consultative opinions to each individual Dicastery when drafting specific regulations that focus on areas where the General Regulation leaves greater flexibility.

In this way, the ULSA makes available its knowledge—gained over 35 years—by delineating procedures and best practices to help the work of each entity.

Labour disputes

Lastly, a significant point is introduced in the area of individual or collective labour disputes between Administrations and employees or former employees.

Anyone who believes they have been harmed by an administrative measure in labour matters (unless it is a measure specifically approved by the Pope) may submit a petition to the Labour Office of the Apostolic See or turn to the Vatican judicial authority.

The attempt at conciliation before the Director of the ULSA is confirmed as “mandatory” before proceeding to the ULSA Board of Conciliation and Arbitration or to the Vatican City State Tribunal.

The procedures, competencies, and timelines for the submission, acceptance, or rejection of an appeal are also confirmed.

However, a new requirement is introduced whereby Rota lawyers involved in the conciliation phase must demonstrate to the ULSA a specific expertise in labour law in order to be registered in the list of authorized lawyers.

Likewise, civil lawyers seeking registration on the same list must demonstrate their knowledge of Vatican law. These two decisions strengthen the ecclesial sense of the legal professionals involved in disputes.