PM congratulates Vatican’s new Secretary of State

The secretary of state assumes the role of the Vatican's head of government and is considered the most important figure in the Vatican after the pope.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone officially stepped down on Tuesday as the Vatican Secretary of State to be succeeded by Archbishop Pietro Parolin. In a short ceremony, held in the library of the Secretariat of State, Pope Francis acknowledged Cardinal Bertone’s contribution to the running of the Holy See, according to the Vatican Radio.

Archbishop Parolin was not present at the ceremony though he had been expected to take office today. The Pope said the archbishop will take up his new position in the next few weeks since he is currently recovering from surgery.

However, the Pope noted, despite this temporary absence, the Italian archbishop has worked for the Secretariat of State for many years with passion, great skill and a capacity for dialogue with a human touch./.

By Huong Giang