According to Jörg Bremer in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Benedict XVI would have preferred to be called after his retirement “Padre Benedetto” (Father Benedict). But after his retirement he was to tired to insist on it. Bremer met Benedict XVI in his private residence.
Benedict XVI confirmed that he has “a very good contact” with Pope Francis and has no intention to put him into the shadow. Benedict said that claims that he wanted to influence the debate during the Synod of Bishops is “absolute nonsense”. Quote: “I try to be as quite as possible.” According to him it is totally clear to the faithful that Francis “is the true Pope”.
Benedict disclaimed that he changed the wording of his article on the indissolubility of marriage in view of the Synod of Bishops. The changes were made already in August, month before the Synod. They reflect what Pope John Paul II has taught during his time and “what I have already written in a much more drastic way as the Prefect of the …More