“It
is time for you, dear brother, to 'pass the baton' in the service of
secretary of State. I therefore wish to join with you spiritually in
giving thanks to God for the good that he has allowed you to achieve in
this, such a delicate and challenging role. The memory of St. Theresa of
Jesus, whom we celebrate on this date, invites you to turn your gaze to
God: “Let nothing disturb you”, says the great saint of Avila, “let
nothing frighten you; whoever has God lacks nothing”.
“On this
occasion I feel the need to express my deep gratitude for the diligence
which you have brought to your work over these seven years; and I do so
also on behalf of the beloved Pope Benedict XVI, who called you from
Genoa, where you were archbishop, to return to Rome and entrusted to you
the role of secretary of State from 15 September 2006, and therefore
also that of Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Seven years of hard
work, lived with great generosity and in the spirit of service. I too
have benefited to this day from your expert collaboration.
“There is
an aspect for which I wish to express to you my appreciation in a
particular way, and it is your faithfulness to the spirit of Don Bosco,
the Salesian spirit, that you have been able to conserve and bear
witness to in spite of being absorbed in the many commitments connected
to the task of assisting Peter's Successor.
With the enterprise and love
for the Pope characteristic of the sons of St. John Bosco, you have
always carried out with dedication your task of guiding the
international relations of the Holy See, so important in the exercise of
the ministry of the Bishop of Rome. At the same time, you have spared
no efforts in taking the Papal Magisterium and the Apostolic blessing
everywhere: to all countries, dioceses, parishes, universities,
institutions, associations.
Our Lady, Help of Christians has been close
to you and has always assisted you in your valuable ministry. May her
maternal intercession ensure for you the heavenly rewards and graces
dearest to your heart. May there be a pledge of peace and spiritual joy
in the blessing I impart to you, and which I extend with heartfelt
gratitude also to your colleagues and loved ones”.