Seven years after his resignation, Benedict XVI spoke of conspiracy theories and who still does not accept his decision

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 94, assured his resignation, which is now 7 years old, “was a painful decision” but a good one, and reiterated, given the ongoing discussions about his role, that the popes. “.

“It was a difficult decision. But I took it in full awareness 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 on Monday by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera and held this Sunday, on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the departure of Joseph Ratzinger, the first resignation of a pontiff in the modern era.

The newspaper assures that the Pope Emeritus answer their questions with “a small voice”, that his words come out “with a dropper” and that sometimes his historical secretary, Bishop George Gaenswein, helps to understand what he is saying.

On the reasons for his resignation, the German Pope explained: “I am thinking of the conspiracy theories that followed: some said it was the fault of the Vatileaks scandal, some of a “ gay lobby ” plot, some of the case of conservative theologian Lefebvrist 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 entered into force on February 28 with the departure from the Vatican to the residence of Castelgandolfo, to, after the election of Jorge Bergoglio, return to the Vatican and reside in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.

The Pope Emeritus showed curiosity in the interview concerning the election of technocrat Mario Draghi to the presidency of the Italian government and wished “that he could resolve the crisis.”

Asked about Francisco’s next visit to Iraq, he said: “I think it’s a very important trip, but unfortunately it comes at a very difficult time which also makes it a dangerous trip: for safety reasons and for covid. And then there is the volatile situation in Iraq. I will accompany Francisco with my prayer“.

About the new President of the United States, the Catholic Joe biden, said that although “personally he is against the Abortion he must, as president, maintain continuity with the line of the Democratic Party ”. And he added that “in gender policy, we have not yet fully understood what their position is“.

(With information from EFE)

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