Your tel 55.¹ Substitute has spoken to Holy Father who has heard nothing yet. This means that appointment has not yet been made. The Holy Father is asking to have the matter expedited and will have the name communicated to me. My audience will be early in the week.

The Minister tells me he has re-offered his resignation as he cannot return and in any case intends to resign at end of December. It may assist your consideration of situation to know that many people here including substitute have expressed the hope that I will be appointed to succeed.