Pope Leo XIV Appoints New Synod Undersecretaries
Giacomo Costa and Elena Massimi assume new roles within the General Secretariat of the Synod.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Giacomo Costa and Elena Massimi as the new undersecretaries of the General Secretariat of the Synod. The appointment follows the conclusion of service by Sister Nathalie Becquart, who previously held the role.
Why it matters
These appointments finalize a shift in the administrative leadership of the Vatican's synodality efforts. The move brings new academic and institutional experience to the General Secretariat as it continues its work.
Giacomo Costa brings experience from his tenure as editor of Aggiornamenti Sociali from 2010 to 2021, while Elena Massimi serves as a professor of liturgy and sacramental theology. Both appointees join the secretariat with extensive academic backgrounds.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
He is the head of the Catholic Church and the Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Giacomo Costa
He is a member of the Society of Jesus and a newly appointed undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
Elena Massimi
She is a professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and a newly appointed undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
Nathalie Becquart
She is a religious sister who concluded her service as an undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
The details
Giacomo Costa, born in 1967, entered the Society of Jesus in 1992 and chaired the San Fedele Cultural Foundation from 2007 to 2025. Elena Massimi, born in 1975, made her perpetual profession in 2009 and currently teaches at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome.
Timeline
Giacomo Costa was born in 1967.
Elena Massimi was born in 1975.
Giacomo Costa chaired the San Fedele Cultural Foundation from 2007 to 2025.
Nathalie Becquart served as undersecretary from February 2021 until her recent departure.
The appointment news was published on October 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
These appointments follow the organizational framework established during the 16th Ordinary General Assembly on synodality. The integration of new leadership marks a transition period for the General Secretariat as it builds upon the work completed between 2021 and 2024.
The transition in leadership reflects internal staffing changes that do not immediately alter the daily services or outreach programs for the general public. Stakeholders and observers of church administration should monitor official releases for any future shifts in synodal policy or project priorities.
The takeaway
The appointment of two new undersecretaries highlights a structural evolution within the Vatican's administrative body. Observers should note that leadership turnover at this level often precedes shifts in the prioritization of long-term synodal goals.
Further reading
For more information on the latest organizational changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EWTN News.
