POPE CONFIRMS GOVERNMENT IN OFFICE -- FOR NOW

UNCLAS VATICAN 000468

SIPDIS


DEPT. FOR EUR/WE (LEVIN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV VT
SUBJECT: POPE CONFIRMS GOVERNMENT IN OFFICE -- FOR NOW


1. Pope Benedict XVI has reappointed Cardinal Angelo Sodano
as Secretary of State (head of government) and confirmed all
other curial positions -- for the time being. It is traditional
for the new pope to maintain the status quo at the Vatican until
he takes stock of how he plans to shape his pontificate.
Cardinal Sodano served as Secretary of State under John Paul II
and is a close confidant of Pope Benedict XVI. His appointment
is for a five-year term. Sodano's appointment signals the new
pope's desire to maintain continuity within the senior levels of
the Vatican government. However, he is likely to make some
changes to his administration in the future, including the
nomination of his own replacement as Prefect of the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith.

HARDT