The former secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict 16, who died on the 31st, the 66yearold German Georg Gänswein published a book this Thursday, the 13th, in which he uncovers the background of the Vatican especially the last decade. The book entitled “Nient’altro che la verità. La mia vita al fianco di Benedetto XVI” or “Nothing but the truth. My life with Benedict XVI.” brings in free translation revelations about the relationship between Benedict XVI. and Pope Francisco whom the author criticizes.
According to Gänswein, Francis, considered progressive by the Catholic Church, liked conservative Benedict XVI’s interventions. not and acted in a way to isolate the Pope Emeritus.
Following his resignation in 2013, the first by a pope since the Middle Ages, Benedict XVI vowed to live “abstracted from the world,” but on a few occasions meddled in contentious issues, such as when he advocated maintaining priestly celibacy pronounced , in 2020, against Francis.
Gänswein, who has been Benedict XVI’s private secretary since 2003, before he was elected Pope. was prefect of the papal household of the Holy See at the time of the controversy. He claims that after that episode, although he retained the title, Francisco stripped him of the executive functions of his position and made a request: “Stay at home starting today. Accompany Bento who needs you and act as a shield.”
As goose wine Benedict XVI. recounting what had happened, he replied: “Apparently Pope Francis no longer trusts me and has made you my guardian.” Because they had a close and trusting relationship, the emeritus pope made confessions to the secretary at the time.
The Vatican has not officially responded to criticism of the Argentine pope which has been widely reported in the international press but last Monday, the 9th, the former secretary was invited to a closeddoor audience with Francis. The content of the conversation was not disclosed, but according to sources, the pope was disappointed and asked Gänswein for discretion.
On the eve of the book’s publication, at the Angelus (a prayer the Pope prayed three times a day from the window of the Apostolic Palace to commemorate the eternal mystery of the Incarnation), Francis warned that “gossip is a deadly weapon that kills. It kills love, society and brotherhood”, a message that is interpreted as a supposed reaction to Gänswein’s publication.
Gänswein says Benedict XVI. and Francis have been at odds several times over their ideological currents. He uses the Italian term tifoserie, like football fans, to refer to conservatives and progressives.
According to the former secretary, the Argentine pope “broke the heart” of his predecessor, for example by reversing his decision on the use of Latin en masse.
It is also made clear in the book that the author has personal problems with the current Pope. He says he’s always had a “cold” relationship with Francis, citing his intimate relationship with Benedict XVI. “would be jealous”.
Among other things, Gänswein accuses Francis of having lost his reputation as Prefect of the Papal Household, one of the most important offices in the Curia, since he gave him the care of Benedict XVI during his retreat in the Vatican monastery. entrusted by Mater Ecclesiae. He is currently still in the position, but is staying away from his duties.
After the death of Benedikt 16 on the last day of 2022 at the age of 95, there are doubts about the future of the former secretary.