++Viganò Accuses ++Gänswein of Abusive Control Over Pope

By Diane Montagna

FOLLOW DIANE

 

ROME, January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — In the wake of the controversy surrounding the genesis of Cardinal Robert Sarah’s new book with Benedict XVI on priestly celibacy, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has released a testimony denouncing Archbishop Georg Gänswein for what he calls his “abusive and systematic control” of the pope emeritus.

“It is time to reveal the abusive and systematic control exercised by Archbishop Georg Gänswein over the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI since the beginning of his pontificate,” Archbishop Viganò writes in the one-page testimony released on January 16 (see official English text below). 

LifeSite has reached out to Archbishop Gänswein, and will update readers if he responds.

Archbishop Viganò’s testimony follows several days of fierce backlash against the pope emeritus and the cardinal, portraying them as opposed to Pope Francis and undermining his widely anticipated apostolic exhortation on the Amazon Synod. It also comes after the Archbishop Gänswein openly contradicted Cardinal Sarah’s official account of the genesis of the book, claiming instead that Benedict “did not approve a project for a co-authored book and he had not seen or authorized the cover.”

AMDG

Game of Hide and Seek Around the Confirmation of ++Gänswein and +Marini

Francis with the Master of Ceremonies from Benedict XVI., Guido Marini

(Rome) The strange game of hide-and-seek whether Curia Archbishop Georg Gänswein as Prefect of the Papal Household or Msgr. Guido Marini Pontifical Master of Ceremonies have been confirmed.

In the past week rumors had arisen that both close collaborators of Pope Benedict XVI. and Pope Francis may no longer be confirmed in office. They would face the same fate that met Cardinal Gerhard Müller as Prefect of the Congregation of the Faith last June .

On December 15, Guido Horst, the Rome correspondent of the Tagespost wrote:

"But is now the mystery of the Vatican more transparent? The technology is becoming more modern. But Glasnost does not mean that. Three examples: The Internet had speculated on whether the pope would extend the term of office of Archbishop Georg Gänswein as Prefect of the Papal Household and that of the Master of Ceremonies Guido Marini. As insiders confirm with certainty, Francis did that."

Horst did not refrain from making a swipe at the less transparent information policy of the Holy See:

"Why did you not know this? A note in the Vatican Bulletin would have been enough and the rumors would end."

External middleman "confirms" Master of Ceremonies in office

This note to put an end to the rumors, but had not been published in the Vatican Bulletin. Instead of the direct route that Guido Horst had called for, a strange path was chosen. A middleman was rushed forward. This is the House and Court Vaticanist of Pope Francis. Without a doubt, Andrea Tornielli is a close confidant of the ruling church leader, but without official function.

Tornielli published on the coordinated by him news platform Vatican Insider the article:

"The Pope confirms his ceremoniar Guido Marini".

It says:

"Pope Francis has renewed the commission of the Genoese Prelate for five years, who Benedict XVI. had called to the Vatican. Possibility of a change refuted. "

Tornielli continues:

"In the past few weeks, when the confirmation had already been given to the person concerned, indiscretions circulating in the Vatican palaces spread about a possible change. In reality, the relationship between the Pope and his Master of Ceremonies remains fixed, and Francis appreciates the faithfulness of Msgr. Marini, who has the task of overseeing every papal liturgy."

Strangely enough, Santa Marta uses an external middleman to make such a statement official, as the Vatican daily bulletin is responsible for. Or as Guido Horst said:

"A note in the Vatican Bulletin would suffice."

Apart from that, the Vatican Insider message only concerns Mgr. Guido Marini. For the time being, not even the papal middleman Tornielli knows the fate of Curial Archbishop Georg Gänswein.

Katholisches.info wrote on December 18 to the whole thing:

" Glasnost was Michael Gorbachev. Pope Francis it is not. "

Text: Giuseppe Nardi 
Image: Vatican Insider (screenshot)

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link...

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"Now There is Even a Pseudo-Ratzinger" -- Sharp Attaks by Ultrabergoglians Against Benedict XVI after Meisner-Requiem

(Rome) Last Saturday the requiem and the funeral of Joachim Cardinal Meisner took place in Cologne. The emeritus Archbishop of Cologne had passed away last July 5th in his 84th year. Benedict XVI Gave greetings to the ceremony, which was read by his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, in Cologne Cathedral. The former Pope's message triggered violent reactions among the Ultrabergoglians.



Cardinal Meisner, who had to witness expulsion from his East German home Silesia as a child, and afterwards more than 40 years of communist dictatorship in Central Germany, is one of the four signatories of Dubia (Doubts) on the controversial post-synodal letter Amoris laetitia by Pope Francis. The four cardinals who addressed five questions to Francis in September 2016 have been regarded as the principal enemy of the papal court and convinced Bergoglians. Undaunted, Cardinal Meisner held fast to the questions which are a critique of the latest developments in the Church. He was "returned home" (Benedict XVI) without receiving from the ruling Pope his answers, and without being received by him in audience, which he had requested along with the other signatories in April.



Convicted shepherds were sought, "who resist the dictatorship of the temporal spirit"



Benedict XVI's greetings were, therefore, particularly badly received in the Pope's circle. The Pope, who had resigned in a surprise in 2013, said in Cologne that the Church "urgently, especially needs  convincted shepherds, who resist the dictatorship of the Zeitgeist, and live and think decisively from the faith."



Benedict XVI did not answer directly to the conflict of the deceased Cardinal with Pope Francis' agenda and the Dubia to Amoris laetitia. Nevertheless, he made every effort to make it clear that he saw Cardinal Meisner as such a "convicted shepherd" who resisted "the dictatorship of the Zeitgeist."



This unmistakable distinction for the man, who, together with three other cardinals, challenged the ruling pope, drove some Bergoglians to be red in the face with anger. This also applies to a further passage in the greeting of Benedict XVI, where he compares the current state of the Church with a boat "almost filled to capsizing". This image was also used in the Missa Pro Eligendo Pontifice of 2005, which preceded the Conclave, where he was elected Pope. Once again, he spoke in 2012 when he blessed the participants in the pilgrimage of the Catholic Action of Italy, who had come to Rome in the year of their faith.


Ultrabergoglians demanded Benedict XVI's silence

Melloni against Benedict XVI.

The reactions could not fail, as some Ultrabergoglians have already bitterly complained to public statements from Benedict XVI in recent months. In connection with a greeting to Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Order of the Sacraments, which was added as an epilogue to his latest book, "Power of Silence", led the rabid frothing of leading progressive representatives, who have been particularly zealous since the election of Francis as pope. Alberto Melloni, the director of the Bologna Progressive School, and Andrea Grillo, influential liturgist in the era of Francis, clearly demanded that Benedict XVI. be silent.

This, however, can not be forbidden, and he gave a greeting to his secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, which he read in Cologne.

Alberto Melloni, head of the School of Bologna, whose main work, the multi-volume history of the Second Vatican Council, was translated into German at the expense of the German Bishops' Conference, made a poll on Twitter. Melloni doubted polemically that the words came from Benedict XVI. He wrote the disparaging tweet,

"There is a Proto-Ratzinger, a Deutero-Ratzinger and now also a pseudo-Ratzinger with negative allusions to the ruling pope."

Melloni's like-minded historian colleague Massimo Faggioli seconded:

"It would be nice to know who wrote the message of Joseph Ratzinger for the funeral of Cardinal Meisner."

Both regard Benedict XVI's words as a criticism of Pope Francis.

The ghostwriters of Francis and the memory gaps of the pope

It is widely known that Benedict XVI personally, as Pope, wrote by hand all the texts which were important to him. Nothing could have changed in this practice of the frequent author. Francis, who has never written a book, knows, however, that he is using documents with the help of ghostwriters. Have the two Bergoglians, Melloni and Faggioli, perhaps, confused Benedict XVI. with Francis?

Their polemic is aimed at Benedict XVI, who has already resigned from the papacy. It may, therefore, be doubted that the two Bergoglians, with their pages, were alluding to Pope Francis. However, on 16 April 2016, on the return flight from Lesbos, a few days after the publication of Amoris laetitia, he had to admit to the question of the journalist Jean-Marie Guénois of Le Figaro that he could not remember exactly what he had put down in the recently published Apostolic Letters.

On the same occasion, instead of responding to the question of Francis Rocca from the Wall Street Journal, Francis referred to his colleagues: "I recommend you to read the presentation given by Cardinal Schönborn, who is a great theologian. He is a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and is well acquainted with the teachings of the Church. In that presentation your question will be answered. Thank you."

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

Pope's Secretary: "If he had remained Pope, he would not have lived long"

"If he had remained pope, he would not have lived long."

Focus Magazine , No. 26, June 24, 2017, Archbishop Georg Gänswein on Benedict XVI, who was "deeply exhausted" after an eight-year pontificate. Four years and four months have passed since his resignation from office.

Image: Focus (Screenshot)

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMDG

Gänswein: "The certainty that the pope was considered a pillar of strength, as the last anchor gives way, is starting to slip in fact."

Hendrick Groth in an Interview with Georg Gänswein: "Doctrinal expressions must
be clear. Expressions which allow different interpretations are a business."

(Rome) A new interview with Archbishop Curia Georg Gänswein was published in the Schwäbische Zeitung. The interview with the personal secretary of Benedict XVI. and Prefect of the Papal Household of Pope Francis was led by chief editor Hendrik Groth in Rome.

The long-time first secretary of Pope Benedict XVI.  confirmed that the former Pope is mentally in top form. "The head is clear, bright, fine. The legs have become somewhat tired."

Even after three years of the pontificate of Pope Francis, Msgr Gänswein  states, "you couldn't put a piece of paper" between the two successors of Peter:

"I have already asked myself the question; and I still affirm according to all that, what I see, hear and perceive. With regard to the principles of their theological convictions there is definitely a continuity. Of course, I'm also aware that there might occasionally be  doubts cast by the different ways of representation and formulation. But when a pope wants to change something in teaching, he must say it clearly, so that is also authentic. Important teaching concepts can not be changed by sub-sentences or something openly formulated in footnotes. The theological methodology in this regard has clear criteria. A law that is not clear in itself, can not bind. The same is true for theology. Magisterial statements must be clear if they are to be mandatory. Statements that allow for different interpretations, are a risky business." [Enter Vatican II]

About the repeatedly criticized ambiguous language of Pope, Francis Gänswein said:

"That he is somewhat imprecise, even flippant in speeches in comparison to his predecessors sometimes, you just have to accept. Every Pope has his own personal style. It's his way of talking, so even at the risk that give rise to misunderstandings, there are sometimes adventurous interpretations. He will continue to mince no words."

Of the Synod of Bishops on the Family  the Curia Archbishop said:

"Let's be frank that some bishops have really to worry that the doctrine may suffer through lack of crystal-clear language."

The related tensions within the Church and the direction that Pope Francis gives his pontificate:

"The certainty that the pope was considered a pillar of strength,  as the last anchor gives way, is starting to slip in fact. Whether this perception corresponds to reality, and reproduces the image of Pope Francis  correctly, or if this is more a media concoction, I can not judge. Uncertainties occasional confusions and a muddle, however, are growing."

The complete interview of Hendrik Groth with Curia Archbishop Georg Gänswein on schwäbisch.de

Text: Giuseppe Nardi

Image: schwäbisch.de (Screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches..
AMDG

Broadcaster: Archbishop Gänswein Suggests Resignation of the Cathedral Chapter of Limburg

Curia Archbishop Gänswein: "Whoever has responsibility and makes mistakes, should also take appropriate action."

Frankfurt (kath.net/KNA) The German curial Archbishop Georg Gänswein is suggesting the resignation of the Limburg cathedral chapter, according to Hessischer Rundfunk (hr). As the station announced on Tuesday, Gänswein responded in a radio interview on the question whether the chapter  should resign as a consequence of the financial affair of the Limburger bishop's residence and the local cathedral chapter: "You could say yes to that of the gentlemen of the chapter ." On inquiry,  the prefect of the Papal Household and private secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.according to HR,  agreed with this request for resignation.

  As was said, Gänswein stressed: "Whoever has responsibility and makes mistakes, should also take the appropriate action." The first part of the discussionn is in the show "Horizont" on the HR television on 25 December at 10:10, the second part on 26 December at 10 o'clock.

When asked why he had defended the former Limburger bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst for a long time, Gänswein told HR he had done so out of the clear sense that Tebartz had been treated unjustly.

Tebartz-van Elst had offered the Pope his resignation as bishop in October 2013. Five months later, the Pope accepted his resignation. In addition what was a perceived by many as an authoritarian administration, a wave of indignation over the construction costs of the episcopal residence  on the Limburger Cathedral Hill in the amount of approximately EUR 31 million and the [alleged] concealment of these costs had contributed decisively to the resignation. (C) 2015

CBA Catholic News Agency. All rights reserved. Photo (c) kath.net/Petra Lorleberg
Link to Kath.net
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

Erosion of the German Church -- Gäswein: "Shepherds Must Not Make Decisions Based on Media Applause"

Flashmob in Rio... Reduced to Ridicule

(Rome / Berlin) The Catholic Church in Germany has experienced a record number of almost 218,000 leaving the church last year. 39,000 more than the year before.

More even than in 2010, when the German Church was shaken by the sexual abuse scandal of minors and was under massive public pressure.

The figures highlight a sideshow: Between 2005 and 2013 Pope Benedict XVI was  annually blamed, if there wasn't  a merely  local "culprit", who could share the blame, like  Bishop Krenn in Austria or the bishops Mixa and Tebartz-van Elst in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Church Exit Numbers Were Instrumentalized Against Benedict XVI. - Since silence

"Controversial actions of Pope Benedict XVI. were to blame"  the "like exclusion of homosexuals ", "lack of equality for women"  or the "lifting of the excommunication for Lefebvrian bishops"  which was said, for example in 2010 by the Austrian pastoral theologian Paul Zulehner (Vienna) and Episcopal Vicar Willi Vieböck (Linz). But there has never been when all things are considered, more leaving the Church than under Pope Francis. Since then there is an awkward silence until the  among the wordy Church representatives and the media. Their "interpretations" are subsequently exposed as a church-political instrumentalisation.

In the Federal Republic of Germany, Church membership is directly coupled to tax aspect. The recognized denominations demand and  are payed the so-called "church tax", which is calculated and charged by the state  and sent to the churches.

Church-tax Secures Influence

The money supply is enormous. In 2011 alone, took the Catholic Church in Germany took in about 5.8 billion euros.

With 1.3 million employees, the Catholic Church is  the second largest employer in Germany next to   the public sector. The largest private company, Siemens, employs just over 400,000 employees.

With the bulging coffers, the German Church exerts considerable influence in the Third World.

Majority of the German Bishops Want to Change the Doctrine of the Church

Some commentators, such as the American George Weigel, writing of the growing erosion process, in addition to financial reasons, describes the tendency of most of the German bishops to trying to change the doctrine of the Church.

This includes marriage and sexual morality, especially the doctrine of the right to access the sacrament of marriage and the Eucharist. Concretely it  applies to the recognition of  second marriages and the admission of remarried divorcees to communion. It is exactly these issues that the Synod of Bishops will address this October.

What Curial Archbishop Geogr Gänswein Says

"It is interesting to hear what Curia Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Prefect of the Papal Household and private secretary of Pope Benedict XVI. has to say in a far more extensive interview," said Marco Tosatti. Interview by Jaume Figa i Vaello for the Catalan and Spanish website +1 Sumant Hostories of the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya .

Question: Some of these issues come from your native Germany. Why?

Archbishop Gänswein: Yes. It is true that not all the errors come from there, but the point in question is provided as follows: 20 years ago John Paul II  rejected, after a long and laborious negotiation,  that divorced and remarried would have access to communion.. We can not simply go and change things established in our Magisterium.

Question: Why do some shepherds want that  which is not possible?

Archbishop Gänswein: I do not know. Maybe they give in to the Zeitgeist, perhaps they can be  led by  the applause of the people, which is made by the media ... to be critical of the mass media, is certainly less enjoyable. A shepherd must not decide on the basis of whether the media applauds or not. The benchmark is the Gospel, the Faith, sound doctrine, Tradition.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Mil

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches....

AMDG

Gänswein on Benedict XVI.: "His Head is Working Fine" -- Resignation "Was Necessary"

Benedict XVI, Msgr. Gänswein, Lebanese Delegation Praying
Rosary in the Vatican Garden

(Vatican) Curial Archbishop George Gänswein has reported in an interview with Corriere della Sera from last February 15, about the life of Pope Benedict XVI. two years after his resignation. The frequency of such interviews indicates media interest for the unusual situation of an incumbent and an "emeritus" Pope. To Gänswein, equipped with the special authority of being the closest associate of Benedict,  it seems to fall  the task of emphasizing the "continuity" between the two pontificates. This insistence would not be necessary if this "continuity" were actually so evident. Most media representatives disagree, even among the faithful there is some doubt. Corriere della Sera refers to its formal legal nature, and less on the content.

Benedict himself was "sure": The resignation "was necessary"

"He plays Mozart, studies" and "loves to go for walks. He is very relaxed," said the Prefect of the Apostolic House.  On the question of how Benedict XVI. now sees his resignation, Gänswein replied, "Benedict XVI. is satisfied that the decision taken and announced was the right one. He has no doubt. He is sure of it: His decision was necessary"  He did everything with his conscience repeatedly tested before God and made the decision in the knowledge that his forces are dwindling and it is not about his person, but he goes "for the good of the Church."

"The reasons can be found in his declaratio," says Archbishop Gänswein with which Benedict XVI. announced  his resignation in a few words. "The Church needs a strong helmsman. All other considerations and hypotheses are wrong," said the former papal secretary, who then addressed the resignation by confirming:  "You are quite right: it was a great act of government for the Church."

Doubters Missing "Feeling with the Church" - Benedict Promised "Obedience" to Francis

Corriere della Sera turned the interview on the strong doubts about the continuity between the two pontificates. They were described as legal uncertainties that are primarily fueled by the Catholic journalist Antonio Socci. What is "be answered to those who are in doubt as to the validity of the resignation or the election of Francis?" Curial Archbishop Gänswein said this: "You can not form a hypotheses on things that are not true, but completely absurd. Benedict himself has said that he  made ​​up his mind freely and without any pressure. And has said to the new Pope, 'I promise' reverence and obedience.

Why there is then this doubt  about,  Corriere della Sera wants to know,  to include a possible answer yourself: "Does he feel absent from the Church?"  "Yes," Gänswein said, "doubts about the resignation and the election stem from the fact."

And how  was Benedict XVI. today? There are always reports of concern about his health, said Italy's  most important  newspaper. "There is a lot of malice, people who want to harm Benedict XVI., who is a man of almost 88 years. It is normal that sometimes his legs give him some problems at his age. That's all. He has his daily routine. He is very methodical. And his head is working fine. His spirit is great. Since the Urban University has asked that the Banquet Hall be named after him and Cardinal Filoni has asked him to Lectio in October for the opening of the academic year, he has written a beautiful text about the 'question of truth' and asked me to read it to him."

Benedict 'lives very methodically, receiving visits and corresponds "

How does Benedict XVI. spend the days? "His typical day begins with Mass in the morning, as always, a little later, at 7:45.  Then follows the thanksgiving, the breviary, a quick breakfast. In the morning he prays, reads, studies, drafts correspondence and sometimes receives visits. At half past one o'clock we have lunch and then take a walk on the terrace, two or three rounds before he rests. At a quarter past three we go to the Vatican Gardens. We walk to the Grotto of Lourdes, pray the Rosary and remain there in prayer. Then there is time for prayer and study. At half past seven clock we have dinner and watch the Italian news on television. Benedict prays evening Compline in the chapel and then withdraws. Sometimes he plays the piano. Especially in the past few weeks he has started to play again often! Mainly Mozart, but other pieces that just come to his mind. He plays from memory, without notes."

In allusion to his papal name after the great Benedict,  Father of Monasticism and the retreat to the monastery, Archbishop Gänswein said: "Yes, he has chosen a monastic life. Now he only goes out if Pope Francis asks him, while other invitations he does not accept."  Gänswein quoted the Pope literally:  "I chose this life, I have to be consistent in accordance with my decision."

Benedict and Francis "very different", but "united in substance"

The question of the substantive continuity has caused varying degrees of unease in the Catholic world is only nearly touched in the interview. Benedict XVI. and Francis, "are different, sometimes very different, in  expression. But they are united by  substance, of content, to proclaiming to propagation and defense of the deposit of faith," said Curial Archbishop George Gänswein.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: cristiano Umanesimo

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Archbishop Gänswein: A "Militant Secularism" is Spreading

(Einsiedeln) Curia Archbishop Georg Gänswein has found clear words a week before the elections to the European Parliament. He criticized the lack of commitment of politicians to oppose discrimination against Christians in Europe.

The Prefect of the Papal Household  of Pope Francis and personal secretary of Benedict XVI. spoke on Sunday in the Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland at the annual pilgrimage of the Pontifical Relief and Works Agency, Church in Need. [Kirche in Not] Archbishop Gänswein mentioned that media and politics condemn every form of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, but does not apply the same standards in relation to the discrimination against Christians in Europe.

The German Curial  Archbishop lamented that in the EU, on  May 25th,  a new European Parliament will be chosen which will spread a "militant secularism". Certain circles want the Christians in Europe be "muzzled" and push religion to the margins, says Gänswein. However, he EU is pursing suicide in this, because Europe will not survive, says the Archbishop, when it renounces its Christian roots.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Wikicommons

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMGD

La Times Correspondent Cites EF: Is Carnival Time Really Over?

Edit: in addition to citing wdtprs, Latimes correspondent,  Michael McGough, wrote an article dated on the 16th of April. 

We'd also draw attention to the continued influence of Archbishop George Gänswein , who recently was cited in the German papers, downplaying the predictions of dissident groups' eventual triumph over the papacy and suggesting that many who rejoice now will sorrow later on.  

But is "Carnival time" really over as he suggests?

For all its fascination with Pope Francis, the secular media haven’t paid much attention to a papal appointment that has stirred up the Catholic blogosphere. The no-frills pope has “confirmed” (reappointed) Msgr. Guido Marini as Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies. Marini is the bespectacled priest who attends the pope at Masses and other rites.

Why is this news? Marini was Pope Benedict XVI’s collaborator in reviving elaborate “Roman” vestments (as distinguished from the simpler “Gothic” style favored after Vatican II) and other Renaissance trappings. Coincidentally, he replaced another cleric named Marini — Piero Marini — who was blamed by Catholic traditionalists for the insufficient pomp and excessive innovations of Pope John Paul II’s liturgies. 

As I explained in a column several years ago: “The pope’s aides say that his choice of vestments is designed to demonstrate continuity with the church’s past. Liberals are more inclined to see it as a slap at the spirit of Vatican II.”

He continues by citing Eponymous Flower here:

In an interview before Marini’s official reappointment, Francis said: “You say that my papal master of ceremonies is of a traditionalist character. And many have asked me about my choice to remove him from office and be replaced. I said no, just that I prefer him to even benefit me by his traditional formation and at the same time, so he is formed in the same way by my emancipated formation.” 

Marini may not be able to persuade Francis to dress Renaissance-style, but he may be able to dissuade him from wearing tacky ultra-modern vestments.

 Link to Latimes...

The Destruction of a Papacy? -- Gänswein: Benedict XVI. Watches "Kommissar Rex"

(Rome) A year ago today the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI by came into force by eight o'clock in the evening. The Catholic Church reflects gratefully on his pontificate. An open wound, however, is still his spectacular resignation, which is without precedent in the history of the Church in this particular context. Benedict XVI. was then expected to become "invisible" to   the World   and to lead a life of prayer. Literally, he said on 14 February in his last great speech, that he "will remain hidden to the world." Thus, however, it will not work so well. For Pope Francis, Catholic journalists and not least Curia Archbishop Georg Gänswein it is a concern. If so, it is humanly understandable. But who really wants to know that Pope Benedict XVI.  is starting to look like  "Kommissar Rex"? The dismantling of a pontificate has many faces.

Vatican Countermeasures to Ongoing Speculation

It is his successor Pope Francis, who always brings him back into the public eye and his closest collaborators who talk too much about him. All to provide continuity and unity between the two popes. This in turn depends obviously on incessant speculation surrounding the resignation and the unusual situation of two popes, a ruling one and an emeritus together. Above all, it is the leadership style of Pope Francis which is responsible for  continuing, which  irritates faithful Catholics.

In the Catholic Church one tries to counteract the discussions, in striking contradiction to the desire of Benedict XVI. to live "hidden",  by presently dragging him into the public eye. There are Church leaders and Catholic journalists and media who put him there. The most recent example is the daily Avvenire of the Italian Bishops' Conference.

The Public Spread Day in the "Hidden" Pope

They did an interview with Curial Archbishop George  Gänswein and reported in much adieu that the Pope now enjoys watching watching films from "Don Camillo" to the TV dog detective show "Kommissar Rex". Even so, it looks like trivialization. The prefect of the Apostolic House of Pope Francis and personal secretary of Benedict XVI. told the Avvenire about the"everyday" of the Emeritus Pope. It consists of "prayer, books, music and one evening one or the other the film of Don Camillo or episodes of the TV series Don Matteo or Kommissar Rex". The day will begin with Holy Mass, the breviary and breakfast. The circadian rhythm was "quite human, not a Prussian barracks". The rest of the day consisted of pray, read, receipt of occasional visits and answering the numerous letters he  has received. The only distraction was a walk in the Vatican Gardens, in which he prays the rosary. The Pope live in the midst of his beloved books of theology. But he also read history books and biographies of great personalities. He also reads German and Italian newspapers, watches the evening news on the TV and he personally tries to reply to letters. "You can not imagine how many would like to visit and see him. I submit to him in any case, all requests. He then decides. The waiting list is now very long."

Pope Benedict I listen to music "mainly classical music, especially Mozart, but also Bruckner, Liszt, Bach, Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms. But even religious music: Gregorian and polyphonic. Should not miss the shots of the cathedral choir of his brother George. "Occasionally he also play the piano itself, especially the" beloved Mozart ".

Gänswein: Relationship to Successor is "Excellent"

Benedict is attentively following says  Gänswein,  international developments and those of the Church. Of course, what his successor Francis is doing, but he is interfering in any way. "The appointments he reads, if they are published in L'Osservatore Romano." His relationship with his successor has been "excellent". The two popes talk to each other in various ways: they call, write, they meet, they eat together.  Pope Francis has already come to a lunch at the monastery many times. Once, after Christmas, Pope Benedict was also a guest in Santa Marta.

To maintain a contrast between the two Popes, "is a favorite game of some journalists. I resent that. I have the grace with which to live and work with both of them. So I can be allowed to say, to know both fairly well. I do not see them competing but complementary. It is clear that the style, the gestures and the way of the government of Pope Francis is quite different than that of Pope Benedict. But you can not just build on an opposition. To do things differently, does not mean to it becomes inconsistent. One must always keep present what the Pope Emeritus wrote to Professor Hans Küng  and which Andrea Tornielli repeated, as he wrote of 'conformity of viewpoints and the heart of friendship' regarding Pope Francis." 

This explicit naming and interpretation of two controversial documents of the past few weeks, that  were given to Tornielli was all announced  as recently as last Monday that was  amazing after all. The question is: Cui bono? It reinforces the impression that behind the recent events: the presence of Benedict XVI. the extraordinary consistory, the alleged Tornielli letter and now the Gänswein interview, there is a common language. The resignation of a pope, the life of a retired, "retired" Pope as normality? All very "human".

Various "Sensitivity for Liturgy" an "Objective Fact"

Some undeniable differences between the two should not be read maliciously. So they are different, for example, the sensitivity to liturgy: "This is an objective fact and it is not offensive to say so. But even in this case, I repeat, it doesn't mean it's  contradictory. "True to his announcement, Pope Benedict was not included to   mix in the decisions of Pope Francis:" He takes note of what is written, what is said, what is decided. Passively ad extra and ad intra in an active way. He hears and reads what you could hear on the Consistory or the questionnaire that was sent out by the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. But he doesn't call anyone "up" to give advice or tips. He has retired. He no longer takes part in the government of the Church. That was not said once and then forgotten. It applies and will apply in the future. "

That Benedict XVI. also announced he would remain "hidden from the world", doesn't only seem to have been forgotten by Curia Archbishop Gänswein.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Photo: Tempi

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches....

See also Rorate...
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Gänswein: Commission Will Exonerate Tebartz-van Elst

Prefect of the Papal Household, "I do believe that the investigation will clear up allegations of wasting money, non-communication and skipping of controlling bodies in favor of the bishop" - Cardinal Lehmann: "media campaign."

Regensburg (kath.net / KNA) The Prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop George Gänswein (photo), expects the exoneration of Limburg's Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz van Elst by the Episcopal Conference Commission. "I do believe that the investigation will clear up allegations of a waste of money, non-communication and skipping of controlling bodies in favor of the bishop," Gänswein said in an interview with the online edition of the "Mittelbayerischen Zeitung" in Regensburg.

The result must then be submitted to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome, continued the private secretary of Benedict XVI. "Only then, and after careful consideration, the Holy Father will himself make the decision."

Gänswein took part on Sunday in the celebration of the 90th birthday of Georg Ratzinger in Regensburg, representing the emeritus pope. "For him, it was comforting that I have come to his side. But it is also naturally a bit difficult for him." Benedict XVI. will no longer journey to Regensburg, not even secretly, says Gänswein. "After so many years of experience, I think that's impossible."

Georg Ratzinger turned 90 years old on 15 January. Today he celebrated Mass  along with his brother in Rome, who is four years younger. On Sunday in Regensburg, a Pontifical Mass in his honor was held in the cathedral. There, the Cathedral Choir led by the former Director of Music for one of his own compositions on the Mass "L'Anno Santo". On Saturday they had surprised the former Director of Music with a serenade outside his home. Georg Ratzinger headed the world-famous choir from 1964 to 1994.

Cardinal Lehmann took a position in the CBA interview about Tebartz van Elst and replied that after a visit with Pope Francis, the matter should be made clear as soon as possible, so that it should not endanger the Church's spirit of optimism. Because the process fosters mistrust and a hostile sentiment against the Church.

"I told him that I think the Limburg Bishop is a very intelligent, well educated, communicative and polite man, of whom I have never experienced anything of wasteful swank," said Lehmann as to his view of the Pope's audience, however, a certain policy of secrecy is said to have burdened the process, and. «a media campaign has stoked it." 90th birthday of Monsignor Georg Ratzinger - With Curia Archbishop Georg Gänswein and Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer - Celebration in Regensburg Pontifical Mass in Regensburg Cathedral in honor of Domkapellmeister em.

Georg Ratzinger (C) 2013 Catholic News Agency KNA GmbH. All rights reserved. Archbishop Gänswein Photo (c) Paul Badde

Gänswein: "Many" Pope Enthusiasts "Will Have Their Joy Stuck in Their Throats" -- Who Interprets Francis Correctly?

(Cologne / Rome) The interview of Archbishop Curia Georg Gänswein only appears in the January edition of "Cicero". It has already   reported several previously  known statements. Also, the Vatican expert Matteo Matzuzzi of "Il Foglio"  has commented about the Gänswein response. With the Pope Francis enthusiasts, for whom "the jubilation has been stuck in their throat", says the German Curial Archbishop and personal secretary of Benedict XVI since 2005.,   the virulence of nascent Church rebels in German speaking countries is increasing. They will remain disappointed, said Gänswein, because these are false hopes. Neither Archbishop Gänswein nor the article, however, go into the question to what extent Pope Francis might have abetted the nature of the rebellion with his unorthodox "pastoral" nature. Finally, the Pope has summoned none other than  the  chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Robert Zollitsch. Who interprets Pope Francis correctly? Why is it at all possible that conflicting positions can rely on him? In a Tornielli interview, referring to Matzuzzi, Pope Francis actually slows the flood of interpretations on the German rebel front. However, it is only a half-hearted correction because the Pope made no definitive position on the question of divorced and remarried. So the question remains open and continues to leave room for interpretation by both sides. The attitude of the Pope remains, through ambiguous, theologically poor precision, an ambivalent and  contradictory  opposition between teaching and pastoral care,  and thus causes a wellspring of new outbreaks of rebelliousness, that under Benedict XVI were almost suffocated. 

Gänswein's opinion, together with statements by Cardinal Kurt Koch, at any rate,  is a signal that a resistance is being organized in the German speaking countries against the rebel faction.

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The Prefect of Francis and Secretary of BXVI raises his Voice in Germany

by Matteo Matzuzzi

"Many of those who were enthusiastic about  Francis,  will have their jubilation stuck in their throats". These are the harsh words which  Monsignor Georg Gänswein, the Prefect of the Papal Household and Secretary of Emeritus  Pope Benedict XVI. expressed  in the January issue of the renowned German cultural magazine Cicero. He can look at the situation of the Church in Germany, where a significant part imposes demands against Rome  for rapid reform and an increase in the speed thereof. A turning point in the pastoral care of families as regards the sacraments is a starting point. It doesn't have to do with female Cardinals: whoever  thinks so, "is suffering under a bit of clericalism", as Francis had said in published interview for the  Third Sunday of Advent in a Tornielli interview. The discussion, however, could start at the Deaconess.

Gänswein Brakes

Gänswein brakes, however: "I hardly think the Pope the Pope will be compelled in his pontificate by certain German initiatives", thus referring   to the possibility of allowing women to the diaconate, an idea that was also  recently made by high-ranking wearers of the purple like Cardinal Walter Kasper . "Case closed", is the personal secretary of the Pope Emeritus' response to them.

During the recent Spring Plenary Meeting of the German Bishops' Conference in Trier,  the former president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said that it was his opinion, possibly to introduce the figure of the female deacon, who is capable of pastoral functions and fulfilling special liturgical services. There would be no dogmatic problems, as Cardinal Kasper adds: no consecration, it would suffice as a simple blessing.

False Hopes

Gänswein is very surprised and sees no changes on the horizon on this front, not even now that the Jesuit Pope, who has raised such high expectations in much of the world's episcopate, with whom he says he will  cooperate "in trust and harmony." The Prefect of the Papal Household is sharply critical of "some forces that want to monopolize the new Pope for their own interests."  Forces, which will remain disappointed, says Gänswein. It is sufficient to look at the handout of the Office of Family Pastoral Care of the Archdiocese of Freiburg, where the approval of remarried divorcees to the Sacraments is  being  suggested,  especially as regards  the re-admission to communion, in the name of Francis' so often mentioned mercy.

Papal Response to Cardinal Marx?

But it is the same pope who clarified in the Tornielli interview: "I spoke of baptism and the community, as spiritual food to go forward, as an aid and not as a bonus. Some have immediately thought of the sacraments for remarried divorcees, but I have not referred to specific cases., I only wanted to demonstrate a principle. " 

An indirect response for those too, who  with Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich-Freising, who accused the Prefect of the Congregation of the Faith, Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller accused of putting the discussion on the pastoral care of marriage with a view to the next Synod of Bishops in October 2014 in   chains and wanting to strangle it.

Cardinal Koch: "the Will of Jesus Christ" is Critical

These were  described as absurd polemics  a few days ago by the Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch in a long interview. "For Archbishop Müller has done nothing other than the teaching of the Church to remember, and he has reiterated on what Cardinal Ratzinger has said himself as Prefect of the CDF to this problem area. Any serious examination of this problem comes to these teachings, which corresponds to the clear will of Jesus Christ, not over. "In what has  now become a customary opposition between teaching and pastoral today" can not be the way of the Church, as such a contrast contradicts the very essence of being Church. New Pastoral was are only to be found in the light of the truth of the doctrine," Cardinal Koch  is among other things the successor of Cardinal Kasper as President of the Pontifical Council Unity. A few days ago he met together with Patriarch of Moscow Kirill, during a visit to Russia.

Introduction / Translation: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Wikicommons

Trans: Tancred: vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to katholisches...

Edit: Just a note about what the Archbishop said, it's an expression I had some trouble with, "wird Jubel im Hals steckenbleiben."  It literally means to jam or have something jammed down, or die in your throat.  It has a certain harshness to it, as pointed out by Mr. Nardi.  I guess a way to describe it is to be the person jumping up, thinking he has won an academy award, only to find out that his exuberance was not only premature, but completely wrong.  

AMGD

Gänswein About Benedict XVI: Resignation Was "Amputation" -- About Francis: "I wait every day anew, what will be different today"

Update 18:41 GMT, Monday, Dec 9:  Msgr. Gänswein has denied that he made these statements as was reported in La Stampa and Radio Vaticana.  See recent report from Kath.net.

(Vatican / Cologne) Curial Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI. refers to the surrender of the German Pope as "pain". This he said in an interview published on last Thursday with the Hamburg weekly Die Zeit. The resignation of Benedict XVI. , he had experienced as "amputation". The years as personal secretary to the reigning Pope had been very intense: "I left eight years of blood and also tasted blood, sometimes."

Archbishop Gänswein continues to speak of Benedict XVI. as "Holy Father". This does not alter the basic fact: "There is only one Pope."

He feels today in his two roles as though he is torn  between two worlds.  For a year Archbishop Gänswein has been Prefect of the Papal Household, as he serves the new pope. At the same time he is also secretary of Benedict XVI., who lives retired at the monastery Mater Ecclesiae. "I have the impression of living in two worlds," he is quoted by Die Zeit. And with a view to the reforming activities of Pope Francis: "I wait every day anew, what will be different now."

The decision of Pope Francis, not to live in the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but the guest house Santa Marta of the Vatican,  Gänswein considers as an "affront" against Benedict XVI. Especially because the Pope from Argentina said that the apartment in which the popes lived before him makes him "gloomy", and anyway, he wanted to live "among people". In the meantime, the new pope and his Prefect of the Papal Household could even share a joke with each other, as Gänswein confided to the weekly paper.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Papa Ratzinger

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholishes....

AMGD