Pope-emeritus Benedict has requested that his name not be listed as the co-author of a new book defending the Church’s tradition of celibacy, after the release of excerpts from the book triggered a fiercely partisan reaction.
Tbe retired Pontiff had written an essay for the book, From the Depths of Our Hearts, which appears along with an essay by Cardinal Robert Sarah, the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship. The book — scheduled to appear in print this week – is an energetic defense of priestly celibacy, appearing in print at a time when the Church awaits a document from Pope Francis summarizing the work of the Amazon Synod, which ended with a suggestion that the requirement of celibacy be reconsidered.
When excerpts from the book appeared in print, some Vatican analysts suggested that Pope-emeritus Benedict had not actually written the essay ascribed to him, or that he had somehow been tricked into collaboration in a project that was designed to embarrass the current Pope.
Cardinal Sarah replied angrily to these suggestions, which he described as “defamations of an exceptional gravity.” He released copies of letters that he had received from Benedict, along with the former Pope’s essay. In his letter, the retired Pontiff clearly gives Cardinal Sarah permission to use the essay in whatever form he sees appropriate.
Archbishop George Ganswein issued a “clarification” on January 14, saying that while Pope-emeritus Benedict was certainly aware of Cardinal Sarah’s plan to produce a book on celibacy, he (the former Pope) was not aware that he would be listed as co-author of the book. Archbishop Ganswein disclosed that he had, at the former Pope’s request, asked that the publishers remove the name of Benedict XVI as co-author of the work.”
The retired Pope also asked that he not be listed as co-author of the Introduction and Conclusion of the book. Those sections had been presented as joint efforts by Benedict and Cardinal Sarah. They will now, apparently, appear under Cardinal Sarah’s name alone. The main section of the book, consisting of essays by Benedict and Cardinal Sarah, will remain essentially unchanged.
Archbishop Ganswein, in his statement, emphasized that the difficulty arose from “a misunderstanding, without questioning the good faith of Cardinal Sarah.”
The intemperate reactions to the appearance of a written work by the former Pope, and the embarrassing sequence of public statements by Church officials, highlights the tensions that now prevail at the Vatican. It seems clear that intense pressure was put on Pope-emeritus Benedict, Cardinal Sarah, and Archbishop Ganswein to the lessen the impact of the new book.
Ironically, at the same time, Andrea Tornielli, the chief spokesman for the Vatican, was recalling in his own public statement that Pope Francis has spoken out repeatedly in favor of the discipline of priestly celibacy.
The above comes from a Jan. 14 story on CatholicCulture.org
Is Ganswein even reliable?
From Abp. Vigano’s recently released letter:
Abp. Vigano also reported that, on one occasion, Benedict was seen pointing at Ganswein saying, “Gestapo! Gestapo!”
People are seriously mistaken if they think they can take for granted the narratives coming from the Vatican right now. This is the time of the Church’s greatest crisis, a time of unspeakable betrayal within the Church, when the Church’s enemies have gained control like never before. I think that’s a context worth remembering.
C. Sarah has the better of the argument, given the letters he produced. Benedict just lacks courage to face particular battles. He could certainly have completed his reign as Pope, but chose to remove himself from controversy. Too bad, Holy Father, your lack of courage as placed priestly souls in peril.
Do not compromise on this issue: no sex for priests, celibacy always.
St. Christopher, poor Pope Benedict was too sick and frail to serve as Pope! He could not even process into Mass, on foot– he had to be wheeled in, on a specially-made contraption– and he could barely manage, through the Mass! His doctor advised him to end his wonderful, excellent Petrine service! I hear that Pope Benedict is now so old and frail, he can barely speak! He needs a great deal of seclusion and rest! Bless him!
Ignatius Press still shows on its cover, “Benedict XVI.”
Disgusting to see politics in the Vatican in the first place but when they are targeted at an elderly prelate (and arguably still the Supreme Pontiff) it is very disheartening.
I was so very happy, to see the interview with the renowned Fr.
Fessio, of Ignatius Press, on EWTN news! Fr. Fessio explained everything in great detail, about this book– and gave a wonderful historical background, on clerical celibacy! He stated that the married priests in the early Latin Church, lived as brother and sister, and that the concept of an Orthodox married priesthood, was a total error, from the beginning! Starting with the ancient Levite priests of the Old Testament– a priest always gave his whole life to God! And a priest in our Church– is “married to the Church” — and “married to God!” He cannot also have a “second spouse,” in a marriage to a woman! He already gave his life, in marriage to God! Of course! I recall being awed, as a child, when a cassock-clad priest, with his breviary in one hand, once came over and talked to us, and showed us his gold wedding band, on his left hand– and explained to us how he was “married to the Church” — and “married to God!” Almost every Catholic boy, in that era, thought of one day becoming a priest– an exalted, holy vocation!
In this interview, Fr. Fessio also said that Pope Francis– his fellow Jesuit– is always under a lot of pressure — but he said that the Pope stated recently, that he “would rather die, than end priestly celibacy!” Fr. Fessio told of the greatness of both Pope Benedict and Cardinal Sarah! I am going to watch this excellent interview again, on YouTube! Can’t wait to read this wonderful book!
Fr. Fessio said that Pope Benedict is one of the greatest– or THE GREATEST– theologian of our times! Fr. Fessio also said, that there are “no rules,” for being an “emeritus Pope!”
“From the Depths of Our Hearts is an unprecedented work by the Pope Emeritus and a Cardinal serving in the Vatican” Ignatius Press, January 17, 2020.
“Benedict XVI name off celibacy book” God writes straight with a crooked line! Because of all the hoopla over the authorship etc., this book has gained so much more attention, IMHO, than it would have if all this had not happened. It has also given more exposure as to who the “bad” guys are in the mix. God is in control; He never sleeps!
Yes I too love to watch how God continues to turn an evil, into a greater good. We really don’t even need a new book from our Emeritus Pope to know his mind. For many prior writings or talks already exist speaking on the value, history and importance of priestly celibacy from his mind and heart. But all this media hype, is a good recall for adults and of great value for those who have never read him.
I wonder how many books are already printed with both authors’ names?