[Mount Athos]

I think that’s a far better topic of discussion since it revolves around the actual words of the pope instead of a generic form letter thank you note from a staff member.

[NetAddicted]

Why did the Vatican say the letter was supposed to be kept private?

[BlackVeil]

Your explanation is quite lucid, and looks at the facts of this particular incident. One gets a similar letter if one sends some lamentable book as a “gift” to the Queen.