The Pope sent a letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, to renew his confidence in him. The text of the letter, dated 2 July, was released today by the Holy See Press Office. “On the eve of my departure for a period of summer rest at Castel Gandolfo – the Pontiff wrote - I would like to express to you my deep gratitude for your discreet closeness and your enlightened advice, which I have found particularly helpful in recent months”. “Having noted with regret the unjust criticism against your person – Benedict XVI added -, I would like to reiterate my personal confidence in you”, which I have already expressed “in the letter dated 15 January 2010, the contents of which remain unchanged for me”. The Pope concluded by entrusting Cardinal Bertone to “the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, and of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul”, sending him “together with a fraternal greeting, the Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of every desired good”.

04/07/2012 -