Secretariat of Latin Letters
It is an office of the Roman Curia, distinct in itself, collateral to the Secretariat of State, and directly dependent on the Supreme Pontiff.
The origin of the Secretariat of Latin Letters of His Holiness dates back to the Apostolic Chancery, regulated by Innocent VIII with the constitution *Non debet reprehensibile* (31 Dec. 1487). The need of the Roman Pontiffs to correspond with increasing frequency, speed, and secrecy with dignitaries of the Catholic world led to the creation, alongside the Apostolic Chancery, of the Apostolic Secretariat beside the Apostolic Chamber.
For this correspondence, the Latin language is particularly suited, which, after the rise of modern Romance languages, has remained alive both as the official language of the Church and as a common heritage of the educated of every nation until recent times, precisely because of its universal, immutable, and perennial nature. Moreover, this language is exceedingly rich, concise, harmonious, flexible to all nuances of thought, full of dignity and majesty, born, one might say, to write for the glory of the Roman Pontificate, which by divine disposition has had the seat of the Roman Empire entrusted to it (cf. Pius XI, Apostolic Letter *Officiorum omnium*, 10 Aug. 1922). Under current law, the Secretariat of Latin Letters is responsible (can. 264) for drafting the letters (*Epistolae*) and other documents entrusted to it by the Holy Father. It consists of the Secretary of Latin Letters, who holds the dignity of domestic prelate and is part of the Papal Household (cf. *Annuario Pontificio* 1953, pp. 899, 903), several study assistants, and scribes; the latter are tasked with hand-copying each document in fine script, which, once signed by the Holy Father, also takes the name of a papal autograph.
During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the Sacred College, convened in a general congregation before the conclave, usually entrusts the Secretary of Latin Letters with preparing the *Oratio de Pontifice defuncto*, which the same secretary is to read on the third day of the solemn exequies in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Latin letters are mostly addressed to cardinals, patriarchs, archbishops and bishops, to generals of Orders, congregations or other religious institutes, to rectors of Catholic universities, and to other persons, ecclesiastical or lay, distinguished by authority or learning, such as presidents of national Catholic congresses.
As to their content, it may be said in general that they are sent on the occasion of some solemnity of special importance, such as centenaries, international or national Eucharistic congresses with the participation of a papal legate, episcopal or priestly jubilees of Ordinaries, etc. They therefore most often contain expressions of congratulation, benevolence, and exhortation from the common Father of the faithful, and not infrequently also precious teachings and instructions from the supreme Doctor and Teacher of the Church.