Pope renews confidence in Cardinal Bertone

July 06, 2012: On Wednesday, the Vatican published a personal letter written by Pope Benedict XVI to his closest collaborator, Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, ahead of the Pope’s departure on summer vacation. In the short letter, signed July 2nd, the Pope affirms his “renewed confidence” in his Secretary of State and speaks of his “deep gratitude” for the Italian Cardinal’s “discreet closeness and enlightened advice” which he has found “particularly helpful in recent months”.

The Pope was referring to the recent scandal of the publication of his private documents by Italian press, the subsequent investigation and arrest of his personal butler, Paolo Gabriele. During the media controversy that ensued, Card. Bertone was frequently cited in reports and the role of the Secretariat of State questioned by press.

In his letter, Pope Benedict clearly calls this criticism “widespread and unjust” and expresses his renewed personal confidence in Card. Bertone’s ministry.

Below a Vatican Radio translation of Pope Benedict XVI's Letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

To my Venerable and Dear Brother
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone


On the eve of my departure for a period of summer rest at Castel Gandolfo, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your discreet closeness and enlightened advice, which I have found particularly helpful in recent months.

Noting with regret the widespread and unjust criticism against your person, I intend to renew my statements of personal confidence in you, which I had occasion to express in the letter dated January 15, 2010, the contents of which remain unchanged for me.

I entrust your ministry to the motherly intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, and of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, I am pleased to send you, together with a fraternal greeting, my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of every desired good.

From the Vatican, July 2, 2012.