Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone is an Italian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, born on December 2, 1934. He served as the Secretary of State for the Vatican from 2006 to 2013, making him one of the highest-ranking officials in the Church. He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2003 and has held various positions within the Vatican, including serving as the Archbishop of Genoa. Bertone is known for his diplomatic skills and has played a significant role in the Church's international relations. He has been involved in various discussions regarding issues such as religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, representing the Vatican in numerous global forums.