Posted on 04/06/2017 11:04:45 AM PDT by marshmallow
Georg Gänswein in a TV interview denies the latest allegations on the renunciation: “It was a free decision. What has been recently said is invented.” The two Popes theory? “The Pope is one, Ratzinger was pope and has renounced”
Benedict XVI’s ninetieth birthday is approaching and monsignor Georg Gänswein, Prefect of the Papal Household and his private secretary, denies all the rumors and recent interviews about alleged pressure that led Joseph Ratzinger to resign. Gänswein was interviewed during Matrix an Italian late night TV show, broadcasted Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
The Secretary of the Pope Emeritus responded to questions from Vatican journalist, Fabio Marchese, on the rumors about alleged pressure from the US government under President Barack Obama to push for Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. Rumors and plots recently relaunched in some articles and interviews, from which Pope Ratzinger ended up emerging as someone weak.
“It’s not true, it is invented, it is a groundless statement- Don Georg said - I spoke to Pope Benedict after this interview, and these rumors, he said that it is not true. His renunciation was a free decision, well thought out, as well as prayed for. The things I have read recently are invented and not true. Pope Benedict is not a person who gives into pressure. Quite the contrary. When there were challenges, when both the doctrine and the people of God had to be defended, he was the one who behaved in an exemplary way: he did not flee in front of the wolf, but he resisted, and this would never have been a reason to leave the pontificate and renounce.”
(Excerpt) Read more at lastampa.it ...
Renunciation? He didn’t renounce anything. He was forced to retire or suffer a premature, inexplicable death.
If the rumors were true, would he admit it?
The simple fact of the matter is that he’s now lived four years after resigning. The idea of him resigning due to failing health is fairly ludicrous.
I never heard a good explanation of why he renunciated.
But all could see what came after and that is enough to see what was up.
It’s a mystery. We may never learn what really happened.
Pope Bendict was one of the Church’s best Popes, and perhaps a saint. Certainly a brilliant theologian—I’ve read all his work. I don’t think he would have resigned unless he thought, for some inexplicable reason, that it would be best for the Church.
Well, if that's the case, I think he "thought" wrong.
realize that not everybody liked or agreed with either of his immediate predecessors, but as for just myself....if Benedict had been followed by another great theologian, or another wonderfully pastoral, caring pope like Saint JP2, I wouldn’t give these “forced to resign” stories much attention at all.
but since he has been followed by pope Francis...
well, it sure seems like there was a ‘palace coup’ designed to weaken the church and the faith of people all around the world.
but i have no proof of course
The homosexualization of the Church
You may have a point. I tend to think the problem is more basic than the homisexualization of the church. I think there are several basic types of people. Good believing church members. Good peoples outside the church who still believe in the one true god. Some people who don’t believe in him but are not hostile to believers or the church. And then there are some people ( many of whom are inside the church ) who seek to destroy it and fsith in god ( whether Rcatholic faith or Jewish or Protestant or othodox). In other words, there are some conscious enemies ( not just folks who pray differently or do not accept church doctrines— but actual conscious enemies seeking to destroy the church and/ or faith). Inside the church they constitute the proverbial wolves in Sheeps’ clothing. In other words, the church needs to do some Swamp Draining ( to borrow a popular phrase).
Among some of the other factors you mentioned.
God Save Roman Catholicism.
And I’m not even Catholic.
Yes well — and there could be quick postings arguing against this - but the last couple of popes were, in their own ways and with their shortcomings and mistakes still men of apparent great faith. One very pastoral and caring - while still a man of tremendous strength and courage. The last a great theologian scholar. Both visibly Christian. But the current pope doesn’t seem to share these qualities imho. You see similar problems in protesters and Jewish quarters too. With essentially secularism and atheism gaining ground while still claiming to be within the folds. The wolves in sheeps’ clothing need to be kicked out of the folds, imho. Otherwise known as Swamp Draining Time.
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