Archbishop Georg Gänswein Archives

Retired pope, celebrating 93rd birthday, is well, secretary says

Apr 16, 2020

Retired Pope Benedict XVI “is well,” although the coronavirus pandemic restrictions mean he will receive no visitors April 16, his 93rd birthday.

By Catholic News Service

Vatican seeks to explain absence of aide after book scandal

Feb 5, 2020

The Vatican sought Wednesday to explain the absence of a key member of Pope Francis’ protocol team following the scandal over a book on priestly celibacy co-written by Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

By Nicole Winfield

Looking East: Book on celibacy barely acknowledges Eastern tradition

Jan 26, 2020

The controversy surrounding retired Pope Benedict XVI’s contribution to a new book on priestly celibacy demonstrates just how much both substance and appearances matter.

By Cindy Wooden

In tempest over Benedict XVI and book on celibacy, ‘It is as it was’

Jan 15, 2020

The current fracas surrounding Benedict XVI and a new book on priestly celibacy is eerily reminiscent of the tempest that erupted in 2003/2004 around St. John Paul II’s alleged endorsement of Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ,” expressed in the infamous soundbite, “It is as it was.”

By John L. Allen Jr.

Busy Benedict XVI offers new peek into physical condition, daily routine

Jan 7, 2020

As the anniversary of Benedict XVI’s historic resignation approaches, the retired pontiff has given new, brief comments to a Bavarian television station, offering a peek into what his life and condition are like seven years later.

By Elise Harris

Will pensive mood on 9/11 anniversary bring new resolve on abuse crisis?

Sep 12, 2018

Both Pope Francis and the closest aide to Pope emertitus Benedict XVI were in a pensive mood abut the clerical abuse scandals on Tuesday’s 9/11 anniversary.

By John L. Allen Jr.