late former pope Benedict XVI was not
a shadow pope trying to pull the ecclesiastical and theological
strings behind the back of his successor Pope Francis for the 10
years from his abdication to his death, his biographer told ANSA
Monday, denying such a characterization.
On the contrary, said Peter Seewald, Benedict cleaved to an oath
of obedience he swore the new pope upon his accession a month
after his own sensational resignation in February 2013.
"Anyone who observed the last 10 years, in which Benedict XVI
was pope emeritus, knows that Benedict steered clear of
everything that even distantly could create interference in his
successor's field," Seewald told ANSA.
Asked if Benedict sill exerted power and influence, the
biographer said: "No. As soon as he resigned he said he would
swear obedience to the Pope, whoever it might be.
"And he kept his word.
"All talk about a shadow pope and about his influence is a
complete absurdity".
Most obituaries of the later former pope said he remained a
reference point for conservative Catholics after the accession
of the more progressive Francis.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
