(Vatican Radio) Please find a Vatican Information Service translation of Pope Francis'
Message of thanks to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., Camerlengo of the Holy Roman
Church, who ended his mandate as Secretary of State on Tuesday, below. ********************************************** “It
is time for you, dear brother, to 'pass the baton' in the service of secretary of
State. I therefore wish to join with you spiritually in giving thanks to God for the
good that he has allowed you to achieve in this, such a delicate and challenging role.
The memory of St. Theresa of Jesus, whom we celebrate on this date, invites you to
turn your gaze to God: “Let nothing disturb you”, says the great saint of Avila, “let
nothing frighten you; whoever has God lacks nothing”. “On this occasion I feel
the need to express my deep gratitude for the diligence which you have brought to
your work over these seven years; and I do so also on behalf of the beloved Pope Benedict
XVI, who called you from Genoa, where you were archbishop, to return to Rome and entrusted
to you the role of secretary of State from 15 September 2006, and therefore also that
of Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Seven years of hard work, lived with great
generosity and in the spirit of service. I too have benefited to this day from your
expert collaboration. “There is an aspect for which I wish to express to you my
appreciation in a particular way, and it is your faithfulness to the spirit of Don
Bosco, the Salesian spirit, that you have been able to conserve and bear witness to
in spite of being absorbed in the many commitments connected to the task of assisting
Peter's Successor. With the enterprise and love for the Pope characteristic of the
sons of St. John Bosco, you have always carried out with dedication your task of guiding
the international relations of the Holy See, so important in the exercise of the ministry
of the Bishop of Rome. At the same time, you have spared no efforts in taking the
Papal Magisterium and the Apostolic blessing everywhere: to all countries, dioceses,
parishes, universities, institutions, associations. Our Lady, Help of Christians has
been close to you and has always assisted you in your valuable ministry. May her maternal
intercession ensure for you the heavenly rewards and graces dearest to your heart.
May there be a pledge of peace and spiritual joy in the blessing I impart to you,
and which I extend with heartfelt gratitude also to your colleagues and loved ones”.