On Behalf of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting who represents, coordinates and inspires on the religious level the catholic scouts associations and pastoral councils of the Scouts movements in Europe, America and Asia-Pacific Region, I present to your Holiness my most cordial wishes of happiness on the occasion of your anniversary. I wish you strength to lead vigorously for longdays St. Peter’s ship towards the stormy and quiet waters of our times.
These days has taken place at Santiago de Compostella an International Forum under the theme « Ways of Justice towards Peace >. One of the main topics of this forum was the encyclical « Deus Caritas est >, a document among which all the participants are grateful to you. During the time of prayer and above all during the eucharistic celebration in the cathedral of Santiago all the participants were praying God to grant you all his blessings in the accomplishment of your functions and give you the support of the Holy Spirit and good health as well.
As Secretary General of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting, I present you my congratulations as well as those of our World Assistant Ecclesiastic,
Monsignor Robert Guglielmone (United States).

Vatican City, 3rd May 2007
Dear Mr. Hermans,
On the occasion of his 80th anniversary you have addressed to the Holy Father, Pope Benedikt XVI your congratulations on behalf of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting. At the same time you have expressed the spiritual relationship and your high esteem in this respect.
His Holiness has appreciated very much this sign of affection and friendship. The Pope Benedikt XVI wishes to include you in his prayer to thank God our creator and saviour.
His Holiness prays Jesus-Christ, the risen Lord, to grant us Easter gift of peace and hope and gives from the bottom of his heart his apostolic blessing to you and all catholic scouts.
Please accept the expression of my respectful feelings.

Msgr Leonardo Sandri,
Archbishop, Substitute to the Secretary of State.