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 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 yet to fully take 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.