I read in 'A Christian Outlook' (The Sunday Times, July 9) that Pope Benedict has appointed Tarcisio Bertone (Salesian) Archbishop of Genoa as Secretary of the State to succeed Cardinal Angelo Sodano who is now 78 years old.

According to 'A Christian Outlook' the Vatican observes that this appointment "is controversial" and has not been enthusiastically welcomed by some officials of the Secretariat of State. It continues that "the Pope is convinced that Cardinal Bertone will not allow political considerations to muzzle the proclamation of the Gospel. Furthermore, the UK Catholic weekly sees that the Pope's plan to effect quiet transformation of the way that the Vatican is governed and acts in the wider world".

I have observed clearly that the Pope has a wide view of the Church's mission in today's world and will certainly during his term of office transform the Church on an "extensive outreach mission and not on a building centred mentality".

Following the appointment of Bishop Mario Grech after due consultations (naturally with the help of the Holy Spirit) a man of God has been chose among the people of God, a proactive and holy man to continue and lead the Church in Gozo after the humble, intelligent, dynamic, beloved Bishop Emeritus Nikol Cauchi.

In my considered opinion, and in view of the latest news, the Pope, after the normal procedures and consultations both locally (with the valuable advice of the Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Felix del Bianco del Preto, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, other bishops, priests, religious and lay people) and further consultations in Rome, will surely with the help of the Holy Spirit, again succeed in appointing a pastor with the necessary qualities who will lead the Church in Malta in the coming years in line with documents of the Synod.

Let us all pray to the Holy Spirit that he encourages the Church and the people of God in Malta to continue to grow, even those who, as St Peter says, lead a life of reverence and purity, touching the hearts of all, even those who are reluctant to observe the word of the Lord (see 1 Peter 3, 1).

Furthermore, with due respect, the new archbishop is to preach about kingdom values not only through exhortation but in clear and explicit explanation. Thus the archbishop will lead people to embark on a deep and personal relationship with God "as God our Savoir wants everyone to be saved and achieve full knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2, 4).

"Spend much more time together with priests (religious and lay people) for mutual encouragement and support" (from the book entitled Awakening the Giant by Catholic priest Pat Lynch, leader of the Sion Catholic Community for Evangelisation, p. 68).

I, like many others, wish to thank God for giving us Archbishop Mercieca for his profound spirituality, pastoral care and example he has delivered during his 30-year term.

"No need to remember the past events, no need to think about what was done before." (Isaiah 43, 18-19)

We need to be encouraged by the words of Jesus, "Know that I am with you always; Yes, to the end of time" (Matthew 28, 20). After all, God blesses steps taken in faith (from Fr Pat Lynch's book, p. 122.)