New Secretary of State takes office
November 18, 2013
Archbishop Pietro Parolin began his work as the Vatican’s new Secretary of State on November 18, in a debut that was delayed by surgery.
Archbishop Parolin had been scheduled to take office on October 15, but he was hospitalized for a medical condition that the Vatican described as requiring urgent attention, although it was not deemed serious. After undergoing surgery he spent a few weeks recovering. The Vatican has not identified the exact nature of his illness.
The new Secretary of State held his first formal meeting with a visitor to the Vatican, President Gladstone Christie of the Bahamas, who had previously spoken with Pope Francis. Officials said that the archbishop has embarked immediately on a full schedule.
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Further information:
- Mgr. Parolin begins his duties as Vatican Secretary of State (Vatican Insider)
- New Vatican Secretary of State to take office Saturday; surgical recovery complete (CWN, 11/13)
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