New Vatican PM "deep interest" in Asia

Former deputy PM Tim Fischer says the Vatican's new secretary of state has a deep interest in Asia. Source: AAP

FORMER Australian ambassador to the Holy See Tim Fischer says the Vatican's new secretary of state is a man with a deep interest in Asia and indicative of the change under way in the organisation.

Mr Fischer, Australia's deputy prime minister under John Howard, says Archbishop Pietro Parolin has direct experience of working in Africa and the Americas as a senior Vatican diplomat.

He is currently envoy to Venezuela and has worked on improving ties with communist China.

The position of secretary of state is widely considered the Vatican's number two position.

He will replace Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, regarded as a divisive and controversial figure.

"It is terrific that the new Pope Francis has appointed as prime minister, or secretary of state of the Holy See, a person with deep interest in Asia," Mr Fischer told AAP.

"This shows that Pope Francis continues to fan the winds of change at the very top. I salute the decision and wish the outgoing Cardinal Bertone all the best."

At 58, Archbishop Parolin is regarded as young for this senior position. He takes on his new role from mid-October.

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