Ex-Pope Benedict makes serious accusations in a new biography. He does not interfere in public debates, he emphasizes - and at the same time expresses new, highly explosive views.
- In a new biography, the former Pope Benedict clearly rejects allegations - he does not interfere in debates.
- At the same time, the theologian delivers further explosives. He dramatically criticizes same-sex marriage and abortion.
- Ratzinger literally speaks of a "worldwide dictatorship of apparently humanistic ideologies".
Munich / Vatican City - There are violent allegations, also in a dramatic tone, that can be heard from the Vatican City: Joseph Ratzinger , Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. , used a new biography about him to reprimand his critics - he gave the impression that "mood-making" was being done against him.
At the same time, Ratzinger denounces what he believes to be a very general social development - and even speaks of one in view of this “all too natural fear of the spiritual power of the anti-Christian”. He made this statement explosively, apparently with a view to a general social consensus, for example in matters of same-sex marriages . Violent criticism is likely to follow.
Ex-Pope Benedict: "That you just want to turn my voice off ..."
An ex-pope to be silenced? In the words of the native of Upper Bavaria, it sounds something like this: "The spectacle of reactions that came afterwards from German theology is so foolish and so malicious that it is better not to speak of it." Or, even more drastically: "The real reasons for this I don't want to analyze that you just want to turn off my voice. "
The specific reason for Ratzinger's anger was several months ago. It is about reactions to his contribution on the relationship between Christianity and Judaism for the theological journal Communio in 2018.
Ratzinger accuses critics: Emeritus Pope sees "malicious distortion of reality"
At that time, recurring allegations against the former Pope had become particularly loud. Again and again Ratzinger is accused of behaving like a kind of "shadow pope". When he published a contribution in a book by Cardinal Robert Sarah about celibacy last year , the outrage made waves. However, successor Francis also disappointed many hopes in the spring with a letter on celibacy.
"The claim that I regularly interfere in public debates is a malicious distortion of reality," emphasizes the 93-year-old former cardinal in the biography of the author Peter Seewald , published on Monday (May 4) under the title " Benedict XVI. - One Life ”comes onto the market.
Former Pope provides new explosives: criticism of gay marriage, abortions, "anti-Christian creed"
However, Benedikt also provides for explosives in the new book - among other things, he clearly criticizes same-sex marriage and abortion . “A hundred years ago, anyone would have thought it absurd to speak of homosexual marriage. Today those who oppose this are socially excommunicated. The same applies to abortion and the production of people in the laboratory, ”he said.
“Modern society is in the process of formulating an anti-Christian creed, which to be resisted is punished with social excommunication. The fear of this spiritual power of the Antichrist is then all too natural. ”According to Ratzinger,“ the real threat to the Church ”lies in a“ worldwide dictatorship of apparently humanistic ideologies ”. Already in 2019 he had caused violent criticism with similar statements.
"Shadow Pope"? Benedikt rejects allegations in a new biography
The passages are taken from a conversation with Seewald, the last chapter of the 1,000-page book. Clarifies Ratzinger is also that he had a very good relationship with his successor, Francis I . "As you know, the personal friendship with Pope Francis has not only remained, but has grown." The subtext: The current pontiff can hardly maintain a relaxed relationship with an unpleasant "shadow pope".
At the end of 2019, allegations of Benedict behavior were also made in connection with an abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.
dpa / fn
List of rubric lists: © dpa / Gregorio Borgia
