History will show that the Vatican’s controversial ex-number two
man was “generous and faithful” in his work for the Holy See, Pope
Francis has said in a book presented last Tuesday.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who held the influential post
equivalent to the Vatican’s prime minister, presented his book on
“Vatican Diplomacy in a Globalised World” to journalists a month after
stepping down.
In the preface, Francis defends the actions of his predecessor pope
Benedict XVI’s right-hand man — a divisive figure appointed in 2006 who
was disliked by many for his management style.
“History... will make clear the intense work done by Cardinal
Bertone,” who gave “generous and faithful support” to Benedict’s papacy,
Francis wrote.
Bertone, 79, was replaced in October by veteran diplomat Pietro
Parolin, who has now fully taken up his post at the Vatican following
an operation.
The Vatican has not provided details on 58-year-old Parolin’s health but it is reported he suffers from liver problems.
Top clerics had repeatedly asked Benedict to dismiss Bertone, accused
of being too authoritarian and too connected with sleazy Italian
politics.
A series of leaks of confidential Vatican papers last year by
Benedict’s personal butler revealed infighting between pro- and
anti-Bertone factions.
Bertone’s image also suffered because his time in office coincided
with a traumatic period for the Vatican, shaken by revelations of
widespread child abuse and scandals involving its finances.
In September, Bertone lashed out at his critics, saying he had been the victim of “moles and vipers” in the Vatican system.