Pope names new Vatican Secretary of State.

(22 June 2006 )Pope Benedict XVI appointed on Thursday as Vatican’s new Secretary of State - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone of Genoa. The 71-year-old prelate has been a longtime aide to the Pontiff. The appointment of a new secretary of state, nearly fills Pope Benedict's team, which the German pontiff has been slowly assembling since becoming pope 14 months ago. The Vatican said Pope Benedict accepted the resignation of Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who has held the post of Vatican Secretary of State for 15 years, and who at 78, is three years past the normal Vatican retirement age. The announcement said Cardinal Sodano would remain in the post until Sept. 15.