"Deep appreciation for the gifts of intelligence and heart that You have shown in fulfilling Your delicate and demanding tasks" was expressed by Benedict XVI in a letter sent today to Mario Agnes, for 23 years at the helm of L’Osservatore Romano, a post that he has left, having reached retirement age. Confirming the judgement expressed about Agnes by John Paul II, who wanted him to edit the daily paper of the Holy See, Benedict XVI, who gave him the honour of emeritus editor in chief, recalled his "consistent Christian commitment, love of the Church and exemplary faithfulness to the Magisterium"; traits "which have always accompanied His testimony as a believer", since the time of his militancy in the Italian Azione Cattolica (of which he had been the national President from 1973 and 1980). For this reason, went on Benedict XVI, "I wanted to include you among my Gentlemen, thus permanently introducing you into the Papal Family". The new editor in chief of L’Osservatore Romano, appointed by the Pope on September 29th, is the historian and leader writer Giovanni Maria Vian. Assistant editor is Carlo Di Cicco, formerly editor in chief of the agency Asca, in charge of social and Vatican information.
