Pope Benedict XVI Retains Top Officials of Vatican Administration

Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI has retained Cardinal Angelo Sodano as Vatican Secretary of State and kept the other top officials appointed under his predecessor, the late Pope John Paul II.
The announcement confirming the Italian cardinal in the Vatican's number two post said he and other officials will retain their positions until further notice. The announcement also specifically mentioned that Cardinal Sodano's deputy, Argentine Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, will retain his post, as will Italian Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, who will remain in charge of Vatican foreign affairs.
News reports call the decision an effort by Pope Benedict to show continuity with his predecessor.
Wednesday, the new pope promised to work to unify all Christians and continue Pope John Paul's efforts to reach out to other faiths.