Pope Francis made waves in his first Christmas message to the Vatican Curia on Saturday.
Francis celebrated those who have served the Vatican "for many years with immense dedications, hidden from the eyes of the world," CNN reported.
"There are saints in the Curia!" he said.
The Catholic Church needs "people who work with competence, precision and self sacrifice in the fulfillment of their daily duties," Francis said to the Curia, the central government of the Roman Catholic Church.
However, Francis warned the purpose of the Curia, comprised of bishops, priests and cardinals, could be jeopardized if they are not diligent.
"When professionalism is lacking, there is a slow drift downwards toward mediocrity. Dossiers become full of trite and lifeless information, and incapable of opening up lofty perspectives," said Francis, according to USA Today. "Then too, when the attitude is no longer one of service to the particular churches and their bishops, the structure of the Curia turns into a ponderous, bureaucratic customs house, constantly inspecting and questioning,"
Francis also warned against gossip in the church, something he was warned against in the past. Gossip has rocked the Catholic Church before, most notably in 2012 when the resignation of then Pope Benedict XVI was rumored to be brought about by blackmail.
"Let us all be conscientious objectors, and mind you I'm not simply moralizing!" he said. "Gossip is harmful to people, our work and our surroundings."
Since ascending to the papacy nine months ago, Francis has worked to shift the Vatican's image from one of power surrounded by controversy to an image of service, humility and compassion, CNN reported.
In early December he announced a new council to prevent and support child victims of abuse. He also increased the security of the Vatican bank, which has seen financial misconduct in the past, CNN Reported.
Francis has ben named Time magazine's 2013 "Person of the Year."
