Who Is Tarcisio Bertone? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tarcisio Bertone was born on December 2, 1934, making him 90 years old in 2025. He is a noted Italian prelate and diplomat who served as Secretary of State of the Vatican from 2006 to 2013 under Pope Benedict XVI. Bertone has had a significant impact on the Catholic Church and has continued to contribute to various Church-related activities throughout his long and illustrious career.
| Occupation | Prince |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1934 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Romano Canavese, Kingdom of Italy |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Italy |
Popularity
Tarcisio Bertone's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a prominent figure, Tarcisio Bertone maintains a dignified presence. While specific details regarding his height, weight, and other body measurements are not widely available, he is often seen in formal clerical attire, which reflects the traditional values of the Church. His stature is more emphasized by his experience and contributions rather than physical metrics.
On 15 March 2005, Bertone was in the news for "breaking the Church's silence" and criticizing Dan Brown's 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code, saying the book was "shameful and full of unfounded lies", and that believers should boycott the book.
Both Bertone and official Vatican spokespeople insisted that Bertone was not speaking as an official representative of the Catholic Church, but it was also noted that Bertone's high placement within the church hierarchy and the fact that he was often named as a potential candidate for the papacy gave his words considerable weight, such that his com
ments were often reported by various media as an official statement from the Vatican.
In 2006, the NBC news program Dateline described his statement as "a high-ranking Vatican cardinal called for a boycott of the film."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tarcisio Bertone has dedicated his life to the service of the Catholic Church and has never been publicly linked to a romantic partner. As a cardinal and a prelate, he has chosen a life of celibacy, adhering to the vows that accompany his religious commitments. Information regarding his family background highlights that he was born into a traditional Italian family, but there are no public records of him engaging in romantic relationships.
He later specialized in the relationship between social morality, faith and politics. He also assisted with the revision of the 1983 Code of Canon Law and undertook pastoral work in parishes. In the Jubilee Year 2000, Bertone was entrusted by John Paul II with the publication of the third secret of Fatima.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific details about Tarcisio Bertone's net worth in 2025 are not publicly disclosed, his long-standing position in the Vatican and various influential roles suggest that he has accumulated a significant net worth over his career. However, it’s essential to note that religious figures often lead modest lives and may not publicize their earnings or financial details as a reflection of their spiritual commitments.
Career, Business and Investments
Tarcisio Bertone's career in the Catholic Church is marked by notable positions, including his tenure as the Archbishop of Genoa before his role as the Secretary of State. Throughout his career, he has engaged in various diplomatic missions and was integral in managing the Vatican's international relations. His contributions to the Church, including his involvement in ecumenical dialogues and social justice initiatives, reflect his commitment to his faith.
During an inflight news conference on his return to Rome from the Holy Land in May 2014, Pope Francis confirmed reports the Vatican was investigating charges against its former secretary of state misappropriated $20 million from the Vatican bank.
The pope also was asked about reports that Bertone mishandled 15 million euro (about $20.5 million) in funds held by the Institute for the Works of Religion, commonly known as the Vatican Bank. "It's something being studied, it's not clear," the Pope said.
"Maybe it's the truth, but at this moment it's not definitive." This money was transferred to a private company, Lux Vide when Bertone was in charge under Benedict XVI.
Social Network
While Tarcisio Bertone is not typically active on social media platforms, he does engage with various church-related networks and communities. His presence is often felt during Church events and through published works or interviews. For latest updates and insights into his schedule and activities, followers can refer to the Vatican's official communication channels and news outlets covering Vatican affairs.
Bertone professed his vows as a member of the Salesians on 3 December 1950 and was ordained a priest by Archbishop Albino Mensa on 1 July 1960. He holds a doctorate in canon law. His dissertation was entitled The Governance of the Church in the Thought of Pope Benedict XIV (1740–1758).
He served as Professor of Special Moral Theology at the Pontifical Salesian University from 1967 until his appointment as Professor of Canon Law in 1976, a post he held until 1991. Bertone was a visiting professor of Public Ecclesiastical Law at the Institute Utriusque Iuris of the Pontifical Lateran University in 1978.
He was commissioned by Pope John Paul II to assist Emmanuel Milingo, Archbishop Emeritus of Lusaka, Zambia, in returning to the Catholic Church in 2001. Milingo had left the church to marry Maria Sung of Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church.
Education
Tarcisio Bertone’s education reflects his dedication to theology and ecclesiastical studies. He was educated at prestigious institutions, including the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Lateran University. These prestigious schools equipped him with the knowledge and theological foundation required to serve in various capacities within the Church.
Bertone was the second most senior cardinal-elector in order of precedence among the cardinal-electors who participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, after the presiding cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
Bertone himself was seen as a contender to succeed to the papacy, although his chances as a papabile were thought diminished by the perception that he was a "potential scandal in the making". At Pope Francis' inauguration, Bertone was one of the six cardinals who made the public act of obedience on behalf of the College of Cardinals.
