Benedict and Georg Redux

Above: Pope Benedict and Monsignor Georg Gaenswein.

(Photograph: AGF/Rex Features)

The Associated Press is reporting that "[t]he Vatican has confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI's trusted private secretary will remain as his secretary and live with Benedict in his retirement home in the Vatican gardens – in addition to being prefect of the new pope's household."

According to the AP, "the dual role of Monsignor Georg Gäenswein would seem to bolster concerns expressed privately by some cardinals that Benedict – by living inside the Vatican and having his aide also working for his successor – would continue to exert at least some influence."

Hmmm . . . besides the whole conflict of interest issue that this story highlights, I thought so-called "particular friendships" were discouraged in the Roman Catholic priesthood. Regardless, I'm glad Benedict won't be living alone in his retirement.

To read the entire story, click here.


See also the previous Wild Reed post:
Benedict and Georg


Related Off-site Links:
Pope Will Have Security, Immunity by Remaining in the Vatican – Philip Pullella (Reuters, February 15, 2013).
A Rogue Power: Vatican May Shield Pope from Growing Prosecution Efforts – Abby Zimet (CommonDreams.org, February 19, 2013).
Benedict's Painful Legacy – Elizabeth Drescher (Religion Dispatches, February 11, 2013).
Benedict’s Embattled Legacy on LGBT Issues – Bob Shine (Bondings 2.0, February 13, 2013).
The Disastrous Influence of Pope Benedict XVI – John Cassidy (The New Yorker, February 12, 2013).
Pope Benedict's Most Powerful Gift to the Church – Joan Chittister, OSB (The Huffington Post, February 15, 2013).
Pope Benedict XVI’s Leaked Documents Show Fractured Vatican Full of Rivalries – Jason Horowitz (The Washington Post, February 16, 2013).
An Open Letter to Josef Ratzinger – Leonard Swidler (The Progressive Catholic Voice, February 18, 2013).
Particular Friendships – Renegade Trads (July 1, 2011).