Cardinal Bertone defends his record, rips critical 'vipers'

September 02, 2013

The Vatican’s outgoing Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, has defended his conduct in that office, and charged that “a mix of crows and vipers” orchestrated a campaign of criticism against him.

Speaking during a trip to Sicily, just after the public announcement of his resignation, Cardinal Bertone said that the record of his tenure was, on balance, positive. “Naturally there were a lot of problems, especially in the last two years,” he conceded. But he said some of the problems were caused by “certain people who did not contact the Secretary of State.” Cardinal Bertone said that his role was to carry out the wishes of the Roman Pontiff, which he did faithfully.

The term “crow” is used by Italians in reference to spies or informants. It was used by Cardinal Bertone in an obvious reference to the “Vatileaks” campaign and the heavy criticism of his leadership that was triggered by the leaks.

 

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Further information:

• Outgoing top Vatican official condemns critics as 'crows and vipers' (Los Angeles Times)
• Departing papal prime minister lashes out at Vatican 'crows and vipers' (Daily Telegraph)
• Pope Benedict's righthand man turns on 'vipers' within Catholic church (Guardian)