The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Pietro Parolin, 58, his Secretary of State, replacing Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, SDB. He will turn 79 on December 2.
The Secretary of State functions as the Prime Minister.
Until now, and since 2009, Archbishop Parolin has been the Nuncio in Venezuela. He was the Undersecretary of State for Relations with States between 2002-2009. The transition happens on 15 October 2013.
He will follow what Pope Francis asked the world to do at his first Mass as the bishop of Rome: to walk, to build and to confess.
He’s been a bishop for 4 years. He will be made a cardinal in the next round of new cardinals.
Here is Archbishop Parolin’s statement.
May the Holy Spirit guide the Archbishop’s work.