Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI told an Italian newspaper on Monday that some of his more “fanatical” followers refused to accept his resignation, while arguing that they had fallen into “conspiracy theories”.
The news networks reported that the ex-pope told Corriere della Sera in an interview that his resignation was a “conscious choice” that his followers must accept.
“It was a difficult decision. But it was a totally conscious choice and I think I did well, ”he told the newspaper, adding:“ Some of my most fanatical friends are still upset, they didn’t accept my choice ”.
“They don’t want to believe in a choice that was made knowingly,” continued Benedict XVI. “But my conscience is clear.”
Benedict XVI then reaffirmed his call for all Catholics to accept Pope Francis
Pope FrancisEx-pope targets ‘fanatical friends’ who did not accept the resignation Experts advise against the pope’s trip to Iraq in the midst of the pandemic. Italy celebrates the first anniversary of its first known COVID-19 case. MOST as the legitimate and current pope, slapping the arm of the chair and declaring, “There is only one pope,” according to Reuters.
Benedict XVI was elected pope by the College of Cardinals in 2005 and served until his resignation in 2013. He then assumed the title of pope emeritus, an unusual move, as popes tend to serve for life instead of resigning.
He has made occasional public appearances since his resignation in 2013, but has largely remained in the shadow of Francis, now the public face of the Catholic Church.