Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 29 September conferred on Professor Mario Agnes the title of Emeritus Director of the Osservatore Romano and called to succeed him Professor Giovanni Maria Vian. On the same day the Holy Father appointed Carlo Di Cicco, Vice Director of the Osservatore Romano. In a letter to Prof. Agnes the Holy Father expressed deep gratitude “great esteem and sincere affection… for years of service in a position of great responsibility as Director of the Osservatore Romano”.
“I feel bound to express my deep appreciation for the gifts of intelligence and heart you have shown in carrying out your delicate and demanding duties" the Pope writes in the Letter dated 20 August 2007 and made public on September 29. Confirming the opinion expressed by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI said “your professional competence and especially your consistent Christian commitment, your love for the Church and your exemplary loyalty to the Magisterium”. Retracing the different stages in his service to the Church the Holy Father said that to Prof. Agnes that in all these years “you have always shown particular interest for the written communication of the Christian Message”.
At the end of this precious service to the Popes and the Church, the Holy Father expressed “ sentiments of sincere consideration and deep gratitude” towards Prof. Agnes. “It comes spontaneously to think of the fatigue of these years to fulfil your daily duties and not to disappoint your superiors. It is a duty to recognise the efforts made to render the staff of the Osservatore Romano a community of work worthy of the noble traditions inherited. For all these reasons and as a sign of my personal appreciation I have included you among my Gentiluomini, thus making you a stable member of the Papal Family.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/10/2007; righe 23, parole 329)
