New Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta

Pope Benedict has nominated Archbishop Paolo Sardi to succeed Cardinal Laghi as the Cardinal Patronus of the Order of Malta.

Archbishop Sardi has been in the Office of the Secretariat of State since the time of Paul VI, he was the Vice-Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber who sealed the papal apartment when Pope John Paul II died. During his tenure in the office of State he was reportedly a speech writer for John Paul II. He also has the title of Apostolic Nuncio with Special Tasks. Archbishop Sardi will be 75 years old in September and will likely be made a Cardinal at the next consistory.