Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV spent the summer months devoted to listening and observation, allowing his first decisions to mature with patience. This method, rooted in patience and discernment, remains a hallmark of his pontificate. Yet the time of listening is now accompanied by the need to make governing choices: in recent days, several of Prevost’s decisions have been made public. Among them stands out the appointment of a second personal secretary, entrusted to Rev. Fr. Marco Billeri, a priest of the Diocese of San Miniato, canon lawyer, and already the holder of several positions of responsibility. A decision that appears far from casual. In this interview with the diocesan weekly, Fr. Marco shares how he is experiencing this new mission, the expectations and sacrifices that come with it, offering a personal and spiritual insight into this decisive step in his life and ministry.
Journalist: Fr. Marco, how are you experiencing this moment?
Fr. Marco Billeri: “I am living this time with great trepidation, in the very etymological sense of the word, alternating between the opposing stirrings of hope and fear. On the one hand, I feel full of emotion, wonder, and gratitude towards the Holy Father for this request, in the hope that I may be of greater help to his ministry; on the other, I glimpse the seriousness of the service. Many other thoughts also come to mind, above all faces of people whom I will now be more limited in seeing and accompanying, contexts to leave behind, and in general many practical questions connected to the imminent move to the Holy See.
At times I notice the risk of being carried away by such thoughts, and then I recall immediately the question the Master posed to the disciples in the twenty-second chapter of Luke’s Gospel: ‘When I sent you [two by two without purse, bag or sandals]… did you lack anything?’ And they said, ‘Nothing.’ I also recall the words of Manzoni: ‘God never disturbs the joy of His children except to prepare them for a greater and more certain one.’ I know that I did not seek any of this, but if the Lord permits it, then clearly along this path some good and growth can come forth—and this thought consoles me. I realize this is not an exhaustive answer, but such is the movement of my mind.”
Journalist: What are your expectations for this service?
Fr. Marco Billeri: “As I said, I experience everything with trepidation. I believe that many of the labors that will come will be repaid, not only by the Lord, but also by closeness to the Pope: by being able to listen to him, to witness his concern for the universal Church and for the good of all people. Another consolation comes from knowing that he has many other highly competent collaborators—first of all his first personal secretary, and the many who, in various capacities within the Holy See, dedicate themselves to the mission of the Church in the world.”
Journalist: Thinking of the roles you will have to leave, what are your first impressions?
Fr. Marco Billeri: “First of all, at this moment I feel deep gratitude to God for the contexts where I have been placed thus far, and at the same time I feel the desire to entrust to Him the many people and realities I have encountered and been able to serve. The first concrete reality that comes to mind is the work at the Regional Ecclesiastical Tribunal, a work both delicate and pastoral, as is characteristic of canon law and of every action of the Church. There, in contact with suffering and pain, one finds oneself in a truly unique place from which to help people in a difficult moment of their life, so that—through a journey of truth with their own story—they may rediscover lost peace.
In that setting, I was also able to collaborate with many people and to study questions that proved fruitful for ministry. I feel I must give thanks for the great gift this service has been. Then I think of my work in diocesan liturgy, first as Episcopal Master of Ceremonies and later in close collaboration with the Liturgical Office. There I was able to deepen my knowledge of the treasure of the liturgy and to count on the collaboration of many people, especially young people, who encouraged me with their dedication and seriousness. My gratitude also goes to them.
Of course, I have in mind many other responsibilities… I cannot fail to mention the parish where I am now, since I feel both the duty and the need to entrust their journey to God, confident that every good path ultimately reunites us in Heaven. I carry in my heart above all situations of suffering, illness, loneliness, or mourning. There will be dynamics I will miss, such as the blessing of families, which we still do door-to-door in every street. Demanding, yes, but every year I looked forward to that moment for the chance to encounter so many stories. I recall fondly many other parish settings where I served, and I certainly wish to mention and thank the Diocese of Volterra for a fruitful and precious collaboration. In recalling these experiences and the people I have met, I cannot help but also ask forgiveness for the shortcomings and mistakes certainly committed—some that I have realized, others that I have not even perceived.”
Journalist: You will leave everything once again…
Fr. Marco Billeri: “It already happened when I entered the seminary, and then—albeit in a different way—when I was asked to go to Rome for my studies in canon law. It is somewhat the same sensation I am experiencing now, yes. But I already spoke of this earlier. Ultimately, the words of Job come to my aid: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ On closer look, this ‘leaving’ has some consoling peculiarities—at least four.
First, in every aspect of life—especially in the priestly ministry—we are administrators, not owners. Beyond our will, nothing truly belongs to us: everything is God’s. We are called to guard realities for a time and then hand them back to Him, who disposes according to His plan. We must always keep in mind that one day we will hand over what has been entrusted, working diligently, keeping things in order, not letting them deteriorate, but making them fruitful—just as in the parable of the talents. It is, in the end, the image of life itself.
Second, I hope to retain something of what I currently do; for example, the valuable work with the journal Quaderni di Diritto Ecclesiale, of which I am a member, that has allowed me to remain, so to speak, in the academic sphere. Whether this can continue in the future, I do not know—but I hope so.
Third, I am not leaving Tuscany and my diocese definitively. What I begin now is a service with an end. I remain a priest of this land, canonically incardinated here. When the Holy Father deems it appropriate, I will return to the diocese and take up the commitments the Bishop will assign me, while another will assume the role I now begin—precisely as Scripture teaches us, in a way that itself describes our life. This, rightly considered, is consoling: it frees us from the illusion that we must solve every problem, while showing us that only Jesus Christ remains. Finally, we are moving toward eternity; therefore, in reality, we do not truly ‘leave’ or ‘lose’—we sow, awaiting the final harvest.”
Journalist: What else would you like to say to the readers?
Fr. Marco Billeri: “Those entrusted with this kind of task are better off speaking as little as possible. Perhaps it seems out of place to say this at the end of an interview, but in the end, I have only spoken about what I have done so far and about my trust in God. Maybe, however, I could conclude with an invitation to pray for the Holy Father Leo XIV, called to lead the Church in such a singular historical moment. And along with him, pray for all those who assist him in this ministry in various ways. As for me, my life and story matter little: I will serve in this role for a limited time, but if my story revives in some people affection and remembrance in prayer for the Holy Father and those who collaborate with him, then it has already been worthwhile.”