COMMUNIQUÉ
OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE,
CARDINAL ANGELO SODANO,
ENTRUSTING THE EXERCISE AND CUSTODY
OF COPYRIGHT ROYALTIES
FROM DEEDS, WORKS AND WRITINGS WRITTEN PRIOR
TO THE PONTIFF'S ELECTION TO THE CHAIR OF PETER
TO THE VATICAN PUBLISHING HOUSE

We make known that the Supreme Pontiff, Benedict XVI, has entrusted to the Vatican Publishing House the exercise and custody of all the copyright royalties and all the exclusive rights to the income from deeds, works and writings written prior to the Pontiff's election to the Chair of Peter.

Without prejudice to the rights acquired by third parties by virtue of previously-established contracts with the Author, from now on the exercise and custody of the copyrights in the contracts currently in force are entrusted to the Vatican Publishing House.

From the Vatican, 31 May 2005

Cardinal ANGELO SODANO
Secretary of State