The 94-year-old emeritus Pope Benedict XVI assured that his resignation, marking seven years, was “a painful but a good decision” and, given the ongoing discussions about his role, reiterated that “there are not two popes”. .
“It was a tough decision. But I took it with my full conscience and I think I did it right. Some of my friends, the ones who followed me the most, are still angry, they didn’t want to accept my choice.”Benedict XVI reiterated in an interview published today by the Italian newspaper “Corriere della Sera” and this Sunday, on the seventh anniversary of Joseph Ratzinger’s departure, held the first resignation of a Pope in modern times.
The paper assures that the Pope Emeritus responds to his questions with “a low voice”, that his words come out “with a dropper” and that his historical secretary, the German Monsignor George Gaenswein, sometimes helps to understand what he is. saying.
On the reasons for his resignation, the German Pope explained: “ I think of the conspiracy theories that followed: some said it was the fault of the Vatileaks scandal, part of a conspiracy of the homolobby, part of the case of the conservative Lefebvrian. theologian Richard Williamson. They don’t want to believe it was a conscious choice. But my conscience is fine. ‘
Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the Pontificate on February 11, 2013 and it became effective on February 28 with the departure of the Vatican to the residence of Castelgandolfo, to return to and reside in the Vatican after the election of Jorge Bergoglio in the Material. Ecclesiae Monastery.
The Pope Emeritus expressed curiosity in the interview about the election of the technocrat Mario Draghi as president of the government of Italy and wished that “he can solve the crisis”.
When asked about Francisco’s upcoming visit to Iraq, he said, “I think it is a very important journey, but unfortunately it comes at a very difficult time when it is also making a dangerous journey: for security reasons and for covid. is the unstable situation in Iraq. I will accompany Francis with my prayer. “
Regarding the new president of the United States, Catholic Joe Biden, he said that while “he is personally against abortion, as president he must maintain continuity with the Democratic Party line.” And he added that “in gender politics we have not yet fully understood their position.”
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