Below is the translation of this morning's announcement from the Holy See Press Office, made minutes ago:

The Holy Father has accepted, according to Canon 354 of the Code of Canon Law, the resignation of Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, asking him, however, to remain in office until 15 September 2006, with all the faculties belonging to that office.

On the same date -- next 15 September -- the Holy Father will appoint Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Archbishop of Genoa, as the new Secretary of State.

On that occasion, His Holiness will receive in audience the Superiors and Officials of the Secretariat of State, to publicly thank Cardinal Angelo Sodano for his long and generous service to the Holy See and to present to them the new Secretary of State.

And there's more:

The Holy Father has accepted, according to Canon 354 of the Code of Canon Law, the resignation of His Eminence Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, President of the Pontifical Commission for the State of the Vatican City and President of the Governatorato of the same State, asking him, however, to remain in office until 15 September 2006, with all the faculties belonging to that office.

On the said same date -- next 15 September -- the Holy Father will appoint H.E. Mons. Giovanni Lajolo, Titular Archbishop of Cesariana and Secretary of the Section for the Rapport with States of the Secretariat of State, as the new President of the Pontifical Commission for the State of the Vatican City and President of the Governatorato of the same State.

Boom.

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