Pope seeks to calm 'Vatileaks' furor

May 30, 2012

In his first public comments on the “Vatileaks” scandal, Pope Benedict XVI said that the release of confidential papal documents has “brought sadness to my heart.” But the Holy Father said that his aides retain his confidence.

“I have never lost my firm certainty that, despite the weakness of man, despite difficulties and trials, the Church is guided by the Holy Spirit and the Lord will ensure she never lacks the help she needs to support her on her journey,” the Pope told his weekly public audience on May 30.

The Pope decried the media frenzy over the leaked Vatican documents, characterizing it as “increasing conjecture, amplified by the communications media, which is entirely gratuitous, goes beyond the facts and presents a completely unrealistic image of the Holy See.” Italian newspapers have been filled with speculative stories about the leaks, advancing various theories about conspiracies inside the Vatican.

Pope Benedict made a point to counteract the negative image of Vatican officials that the furor has created, saluting the many officials in the Roman Curia “who every day, in silent faithfulness and with a spirit of sacrifice, help me carry out my ministry.”

 

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Further information:

• The Pope: Despite the Weakness of Man, the Lord Will Always Support His Church (VIS)
• Pope blasts media reporting of 'Vatileaks' (ANSA)