Vatican financial is reform going in the right direction, Pell says
- Jan 15, 2021
At the virtual launch of his new book, Cardinal George Pell opened up about what his time in prison before acquitted of charges of sexual abuse was like, and he also offered an evaluation of US President Donald Trump’s time in office as well as the need for a set of clear rules when a pope retires.
Retired Pope Benedict XVI has declined the inheritance of his brother Georg, who died in July.
The Vatican doubled down Saturday on its intent to pursue continued dialogue with China over bishop nominations, defending a deal it did with the Chinese government in 2018 as necessary to the life of the Catholic Church there, over strong U.S. objections.
Between Pope Francis and retired Pope Benedict XVI, there is “continuity of magisterium and particularity in pastoral style,” but even more, there is “a living communion of affection,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
After rumors went out in the German press Monday saying Benedict XVI was suffering from a facial infection, the Vatican has confirmed that the retired pontiff is sick but insisted that his condition is normal for someone his age.
In a letter read aloud at his brother’s funeral in Regensburg, retired pope Benedict XVI recalled several characteristics which he felt best described his eldest sibling, including a love of music, joy in adversity and a deep piety.