By Sean O'Donnell - 22 March, 2018
Mgr Joseph Murphy (pic: Catholic Communications Office)
Monsignor Joe Murphy of the Diocese of Cloyne has been appointed Head of Protocol Office of the Secretariat of State.
Commenting on the appointment, the Bishop of Cloyne, William 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.”
Mgr Murphy a native of the Parish of Donoughmore was ordained in his home parish by Bishop John Magee in 1993 and after further studies, entered the service of the Holy See in 1997 as an Official of the Secretariat of State of the Holy Father. In January 2002 he was appointed Private Secretary to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State. He was created a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor, in November 2003.
Mgr Murphy will oversea and coordinate relations with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, and 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 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 See. The office also deals with official requests for audiences with the Holy Father and the sending of temporary Pontifical Missions and envoys.
