In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recalled that renouncing the papacy was a “difficult choice”, but made it “in full consciousness”, believing it did well.
The Vatican News
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI of the papacy, which came into force eight years ago, [28 February 2013] it was a “difficult choice”, but made “in full consciousness” – one he did not regret at all.
Once again, the Pope Emeritus, albeit in a low voice, repeats what he has already said several times to give up the “somewhat fanatical friends” who continue to see the “conspiracy theories” behind his decision to leave St. John’s Cathedral. Peter by retirement due to old age.
This was reiterated by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in an interview Corriere della Sera.
A difficult but correct decision
“It was a difficult decision,” Pope Emeritus explains, “but I made it with full awareness and I think I did well. Some of my friends who are a little “fanatical” are still upset; they did not want to accept my choice. I think of the conspiracy theories that followed: those who said it was because of the Vatileaks scandal, those who said it was because of the conservative theologian Lefebvrian, Richard Williamson. They did not want to believe it was a conscious decision, but my conscience is clear. ”
Papal visit to Iraq
In the interview, Benedict XVI also spoke about Pope Francis’ future apostolic journey to Iraq.
“I think it’s a very important journey,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s coming at a very difficult time, which makes it a dangerous journey for security reasons and because of Covid-19. There is also instability. “I will accompany Francis with my prayers.”