Pope Francis sent his greetings and thanks to Prof. Giovanni Maria Vian, outgoing Editor-in-Chief of the Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s official newspaper. And the Holy Father said he intends to rely on Vian’s support and advice in the future.
The Holy Father’s sentiments came in a December 22, 2018, letter to the editor. Vian served as leader of the publication for 11 years starting in 2007.
The Osservatore Romano is now published, with its weekly editions, in eight languages, including an edition for the homeland of Pope Francis, Argentina, launched in 2016. Vian also launched the monthly magazine «Donna Chiesa» Mondo «. Andrea Monda has now taken over from Vian.
«At a time when, after years of generous dedication and responsibility, you have ended your responsibilities as Director of L’Osservatore Romano, I wish to express to you the deepest gratitude for your love and care. have dedicated to your achievement. this important task,» the Pope wrote. The Holy Father credited Vian’s «competence», to his «qualified professionalism», and his «exemplary adherence to the Magisterium» and «constant Christian commitment.»
Pope Francis also thanked Vian for his role in recent reforms: «I would like to thank you for the valuable collaboration and the constant availability that you wanted to show me in the effort to promote the implementation of reforms that I gave birth to and which concern in particular the field of communication. I really appreciate your loyalty…The consciousness of having devoted all our energy unreservedly to the task entrusted to you permeates joy and peace in your soul.»
