Milan, Italy, Aug 31, 2006 / 22:00 pm
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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