” “A “deeply-felt thank-you for the faithfulness, the enlightened competence, the devotion and love” you have placed “in working for the good of the Church at the side of several Successors of the apostle Peter”, was given today by Benedict XVI to card. Angelo Sodano, who leaves his office as the Secretary of State, which will be taken over by card. Tarcisio Bertone, the archbishop of Genoa. “I am extremely grateful to you for the devotion with which you have supervised the daily work of the Secretariat of State and the Papal delegations in the world, as well as for the care you have shown to all the staff”, writes the Pope to card. Sodano and “I voice the feelings of all those people who, over the years, have met you and have appreciated your common sense, cautious wisdom and indefatigable devotion with which, sparing no efforts, you have carried out your mission, bearing in mind only the good of the Church”. “The Holy See concludes the Pontiff will continue to benefit from your help and I am also grateful to you for this, because you, with as much enthusiasm and generosity, will take the important office of Deacon of the College of Cardinals and Member of several ministries of the Roman Curia and the governorship of the State of Vatican City”.
