Angry over criticism, Cardinal Bertone resigned early, Vatican source claims

September 11, 2013

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone resigned as Vatican Secretary of State earlier than expected, because he resented the fact that other Vatican officials did not defend him against criticism, according to a report from the Catholic News Agency (CNA).

Citing an unnamed source at the Secretariat of State, CNA reports that Cardinal Bertone was expected to resign in September or even October. But the Secretary of State “told the Pope he wanted to leave his post at an August 15 lunch in Castel Gandolfo,” the source said. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the previous Secretary of State and dean of the College of Cardinals, was present at the same luncheon meeting, CNA reports.

The resignation of Cardinal Bertone was formally announced on August 31. However, it will not take effect until October 15. In announcing the change, the Vatican made a point of saying that on that date, Pope Francis wants “publicly to thank Cardinal Bertone for his faithful and generous service to the Holy See.”

Nevertheless, according to the anonymous source cited by CNA, Cardinal Bertone was upset that his colleagues at the Vatican did not respond to charges of corruption and incompetence at the Secretariat of State during his tenure. Shortly after his resignation was announced, during a visit to Sicily, Cardinal Bertone denounced the “mix of crows and vipers” who generated critical stories about his leadership.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican source says Cardinal Bertone chose to resign early (CNA)
• Cardinal Bertone defends his record, rips critical 'vipers' (CWN, 9/2)