Pope Benedict: Governance Was My Weakness

Catholic Culture ^ | 9/8/16

[marshmallow]

The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera has published excerpts of Peter Seewald’s book-length interview with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Last Testament: In His Own Words will be published in Italy on September 9 and in the United States in November.

“A weak point of mine was maybe little resolve in governing and making decisions,” said Pope Benedict. “In reality I am more a professor, one who reflects and meditates on spiritual questions,"

“Practical governance is not my strong point and this is certainly a weakness,” he added. “But I do not see myself as a failure.”

The Pope Emeritus said he was surprised by the election of Pope Francis but was “content” and “happy” as he saw him address the crowds from the balcony over St. Peter’s Square. He also praised Pope Francis as a “man of practical reform.”

[marshmallow]

The Pope Emeritus said he was surprised by the election of Pope Francis.......

Really? He was your main rival at the conclave of '05. Why would you be "surprised" that he was elected at the next conclave?

[LouieFisk]

“Pope Benedict: Governance Was My Weakness”
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Other than that, the heresy, and his love of Marxism he’s a great guy.

[onyx]

Obviously, you know NOTHING about Pope Benedict XVI.

[soycd]

I’d say acknowledging islam as a valid and acceptable religion is an even bigger mistake. It should be banned like any other cult of death.

[LouieFisk]

"Obviously, you know NOTHING about Pope Benedict XVI."
==
Tell me about it...



As I said, I feel for Catholics having to go through this. It must be heartbreaking to the faithful.

[ConservativeMind]

Well, his other issue was stamina for the position and keeping his election.

[LouieFisk]

My bad, I thought the topic was Red Francis, not Benedict. Nevermind.....

[opus1]

Not Benedict! He’s been coached, primed, goaded, influenced, or something along those lines to “legitimize” Francis.

If you’ve read some of Benedict’s books, homilies and interviews, you know he does not speak this way. Very simple, even slang at times (”he knows the trade”!?!), repeating himself, never delving deep into causes or reasons (which is his metier). None of the precious care and subtlety he naturally weaves into his language, speaking in ever deepening layers of meaning to expand a topic.

Also compare the interviewer to the previous book, this is almost like a Hollywood star interview, or expose, very superficial, not the style for 2 old friends who have a great rapport. Also peculiar is Benedict not using his regular publisher or distribution channels.

[Ann Archy]

Trust me, it isn’t.

[piusv]

The retired pontiff bluntly rebuts those who have claimed he resigned the papacy due to threats of blackmail or some other malfeasance. "No one tried to blackmail me," he states. "If someone had tried to blackmail me I would not have left because you cannot leave when you are under pressure."

So he's lying here too? For those that believe he was forced to resign, there is nothing that Benedict could say to convince them otherwise. What will they do with Francis when Benedict eventually dies?

https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/pope-benedict-speaks-i-do-not-see-myself-failure

[LouieFisk]

Though it certainly is odd for a Pope to just up and quit. How many times has that happened, at least in modern history?

[piusv]

Any and all novelties are expected and therefore not odd in the Modernist post-Vatican II church.

[LouieFisk]

“Any and all novelties are expected and therefore not odd in the Modernist post-Vatican II church.”
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It’s sad. Tho I’m not Catholic, I remember when the Church was a powerful voice on the world stage, it’s clergy was respected and it served as a watchdog re:right and wrong.