VATICAN CITY: As Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome, the nuns operating the Vatican’s switchboard are receiving a growing number of anxious calls from concerned believers worldwide. Many callers seek updates on the Pope’s health, wish to send their prayers, or even request to speak with him directly.
Providing Comfort and Guidance
Sister Anthony, who oversees the operation, describes how callers feel like “children waiting to know about their father.” The nuns, belonging to the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master, answer each call with patience, offering reassurance and encouraging prayers for the Pope.
Unlike automated phone systems used by most institutions, the Vatican maintains a personal approach. Mother Micaela, the order’s mother superior, emphasizes that the Vatican values “a human voice” over digital communication.
A Tradition of Service
Since 1970, the Pious Disciples sisters have managed the Vatican switchboard, covering the phones 12 hours a day, seven days a week. A team of about a dozen nuns, hailing from Italy, the Philippines, and Poland, handle 50-70 calls daily in multiple languages, primarily Italian, English, and Spanish.
Addressing Different Needs
Most callers need directions to the right Vatican office, which the sisters provide using their knowledge and large yearbooks. Some call seeking financial aid, in which case they are redirected to the Vatican almoner’s office, which recently assisted victims of war in Ukraine, Brazil’s floods, and homelessness in Naples.
However, not all calls are straightforward. Some callers, unaware of the Pope’s busy schedule, ask to speak with him directly. Others, struggling with personal crises, seek emotional support.
“We try to provide comfort within our limits,” says Sister Anthony, who previously served as a provincial superior in the Philippines.
A Woman’s Voice in the Vatican
The nuns feel honored to serve as a compassionate voice in the Vatican. “Pope Francis reminds us that the Church is like a mother,” says Mother Micaela. “This feminine approach gives people a sense of reliability.”
With 1,100 women working at the Vatican, the sisters take pride in their unseen yet crucial role. “Knowing that women are taking on more responsibilities here, we feel very empowered,” Sister Anthony adds.
As the Holy Year 2025 approaches, bringing millions of pilgrims to Rome, the sisters expect an even higher volume of calls. No matter how busy they become, their mission remains the same—offering kindness, guidance, and a reassuring presence to all who reach out.