Vatican Secretary of State recovering after surgery

October 26, 2013 - New Vatican Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin is recovering normally after a surgery this week, the Vatican Press Office has said. Archbishop Parolin who assumed office on Oct. 15, was discharged on Friday after a successful surgery at Padua university hospital. Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico said he is currently convalescing in Veneto Region, before he moves over to the Vatican. Fr. Lombardi said that Archbishop Parolin to whom he spoke on the phone, expressed his gratitude to the Pope, in the first place, for his understanding, attention and closeness, and also to all those who have been close to him in this period, or have prayed for him. A trained Vatican diplomat who last served as ambassador in Venezuela, Archbishop Parolin replaced Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. (Source: Vatican)