Seven years after stepping down, Benedict fuels '2 popes' headache

As"emeritus" Pope Benedict XVI continued in his retirement to write on the great themes of the Church, friction has arisen, creating the appearance of"two popes" at odds AFP/-VATICAN CITY: Seven years after his surprise resignation, Benedict XVI - weakened by age but still intellectually spry - appears unable to remain in the shadow of his Argentinean successor Francis, creating the appearance of"two popes" at odds.

The Vatican insists that Francis's position was already decided in December, before the publication in January of a book castigating the synod conclusions and defending the celibacy of priests, co-signed by Benedict XVI and the ultra-traditionalist Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah. Through his private secretary, the German archbishop Georg Gaenswein, Benedict tried to backtrack on the publication, explaining that he had never approved a co-authored book project. But the damage had been done, with the former pope weighing in on the importance of priestly celibacy ahead of his successor's pronouncement on the subject.

Gaenswein, whose duties included organising Francis' audiences, has not been seen at the side of the current pope since the publication of the book. The prelate appears to have been sidelined and invited to spend more time taking care of the retired Pope.A Bavarian television documentary in January revealed a frail Benedict, in a wheelchair, speaking with a faint voice.

Three years ago, Gaenswein explained the"two pope" phenomenon:"There are not two popes, but a de facto expanded ministry, with one active and one contemplative member".

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