January 21, 2010. Cardinal Bertone will remain in his post as Vatican Secretary of State even though he is at the age where he must retire.

In accordance to the Code of Canon Law, last December when Tarcisio Bertone turned 75 he turned in his resignation to the pope

But the pope did not accept his resignation and has written a letter in which he expresses his gratitude. Benedict XVI said he appreciates his compassion and professionalism and references how Bertone built the dialogue with the excommunicated bishop Marcel Lefebvre.

JMB/MC