Santiago, Chile, Apr 7, 2010 / 14:46 pm
“Benedict XVI is a strong Pope,” declared Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on Tuesday from the southern hemisphere. Beginning a trip in Chile, the prelate told members of the press that claims he and the Pope blocked the case of the Wisconsin priest Fr. Lawrence Murphy are unfounded.
Upon arriving at the airport in Santiago, Chile to begin a nine-day tour of the South American nation, Cardinal Bertone told journalists that “Benedict XVI is a strong Pope, the Pope of the third millenium, the entire Church supports him,” according to Italian bishops' daily newspaper Avvenire. Cardinal Bertone added that this support could be seen on Easter in St. Peter’s Square, which was full of many young people that day.
The prelate attempted to steer conversation back to the moment, saying, “Let’s speak of Chile, let’s speak of the future."
The Vatican's Secretary of State will be in Chile until April 14 to mark the 200th anniversary of the nation, bring comfort after the recent earthquake and to meet with the local Church.