New Vatican Secretary of State took job after
seeing John Paul II in dream
Milan, Sep. 01, 2006 (CNA)
-
It took a dream of Pope John Paul II
to convince Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to accept Pope Benedict’s
invitation to succeed Cardinal Angelo Sodano as the Vatican’s
Secretary of State.
Cardinal Bertone recounted
the dream to journalists at his departure ceremonies from Genoa
Tuesday at the Sanctuary of Madonna della Guardia. The cardinal,
who has been serving as Archbishop of Genoa, will begin as
Secretary of State Sept. 15.
The cardinal explained that he was
fearful when Pope Benedict told him about his intentions to name
him Secretary of State.
“When he asked me to accept, I got
the shivers and replied, “I need to think hard.”
“During the night, between Aug. 15
and 16, I saw John Paul II in a dream: he was serene and
smiling,” he continued. “We spoke about young people and I told
him that World Youth Day was his most beautiful invention. Then
I spoke with him about my new appointment and I asked for his
blessing. He told me, ‘of course.’ I kneeled and he blessed me.”
Cardinal Bertone said when he
recounted this dream to Pope Benedict XVI, the current Pope
said: “Well, then, you don’t have to be afraid.”
“The Pope then confirmed his
appointment and I accepted,” the cardinal concluded.
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