Pope Francis has revealed deep political secrets with confidential details about his election and relationships in a lengthy interview published on Tuesday.
Pope Francis has exposed the political 'maneuvers' used to sway votes during the two most recent elections of popes, while denying he is planning to reform the process for future conclaves, in a book-length interview published Tuesday. The confidential revelations are contained in 'The Successor: My Memories of Benedict XVI,' in which the Argentine pope reflects on his relationship with the late German pope and settles some scores with Benedict’s longtime aide.
In the book, Francis revealed previously confidential details about the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict pope and the 2013 ballot in which he himself was elected, saying he was allowed to deviate from the cardinals’ oath of secrecy because he is pope. In 2005, Francis said, he was 'used' by cardinals who wanted to block the election of Benedict — then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — and that they managed to sway 40 out of 115 votes his way.
He said it finally dawned on him that he might be pope when Spanish Cardinal Santos Abril y Castelló came running after him after lunch on March 13, just before what would become the final ballot. The Spanish cardinal had what was clearly a health-related question about Bergoglio's ability to take on the physical rigors of the papacy, after opponents apparently had raised his health as a possible impediment to his election.
It pained me that they used Benedict. The book was published on the day of his burial, and I felt it was a lack of nobility and humanity,' Francis said. Francis insisted that Benedict always deferred to him, defended him and supported him and was not behind any of the conservative attacks or maneuvers to undermine his authority. He denied that his dry homily during Benedict’s funeral, criticized by conservatives as lacking praise, was a sign of anything other than liturgical protocol.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pope Francis Faces Strenuous Week Amid Health IssuesThe pontiff is facing a packed schedule over Easter after having to scale down his involvement in services due to poor health in recent months.
Read more »
Pope Francis Doubles Down Amid Catholic BacklashThe pope has said it is a 'hypocrisy' to object to the blessing of same-sex couples amid backlash to doctrine released last year.
Read more »
Pope Francis skips homily at Palm Sunday Mass in rare moveOver the winter months, he has battled with bouts of bronchitis, cold and flu.
Read more »
Pope Francis skips traditional Palm Sunday homily during MassPope Francis skipped delivery of the Palm Sunday homily during Mass on Sunday before continuing with the service and being driven around St. Peter's Square.
Read more »
One Extraordinary Photo: Pope Francis' cap flying off his headHaving covered the Vatican for 27 years – that’s three popes – Andrew Medichini has mastered photographing papal pomp. To capture this photo, Medichini knew exactly how to position himself for a candid shot of Pope Francis. Here is what he said about making this extraordinary photo.
Read more »
Pope Francis skips Palm Sunday homily at start of busy Holy WeekPope Francis has decided at the last minute to skip his homily during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square
Read more »