Pope Benedict denounces ‘absurd’ speculations about his resignation

February 26, 2014

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has denounced “absurd speculations” about his resignation that have appeared in the Italian media and on the Internet.

Pope Benedict’s words came in a reply to a letter sent by journalist Andrea Tornielli, who asked the Pope Emeritus about the media speculation surrounding his resignation. In a February 26 article, Tornielli said that he wrote the letter on February 16 and that the Pope Emeritus replied two days later.

Calling questions about the resignation’s validity “completely absurd,” Pope Benedict said that “there is absolutely no doubt regarding the validity of my resignation from the Petrine ministry.”

Pope Benedict also wrote that he retained the white papal cassock for “practical” reasons: “at the time of the resignation there were no other clothes available.” He also confirmed that he recently said in a letter to Father Hans Küng that he is “grateful to be bound by a great identity of views and a heartfelt friendship with Pope Francis” and that he sees his “last and final job” is “to support his pontificate with prayer.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI: Theories surrounding resignation are 'absurd' (Vatican Radio)
• Ratzinger: la mia rinuncia è valida, assurdo fare speculazioni (La Stampa)