Addressing Ideological Manipulation Within the Church

Pope Francis has strongly condemned certain individuals for taking advantage of Pope Benedict XVI’s recent passing to promote their own ideological agendas, underscoring the escalating divisions within the Catholic Church. During a press conference on his return from South Sudan, he responded to the wave of criticism that emerged following Benedict’s death on December 31.

In the aftermath, various conservative cardinals and Benedict’s former secretary published books and gave interviews that aimed to undermine Francis’ papacy, effectively positioning the late pope against him. Francis refuted suggestions of a rift between himself and Benedict, asserting that they maintained frequent consultations and shared similar viewpoints.

“It is evident that Benedict’s death has been manipulated,” Francis stated. “Some sought to gain advantages for their own faction. Those who exploit the legacy of such a virtuous individual clearly lack ethics; they are more aligned with a particular party than with the Church.”

To illustrate Benedict’s impartiality, Francis recalled an incident involving a complaint about his support for legal protections for same-sex partnerships during his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires. He had advocated for legislation that would grant rights to stable relationships, including those of same-sex couples, as a compromise against the legalisation of gay marriage.

Francis shared that a self-proclaimed “great theologian” had filed a complaint with Benedict regarding his stance. Instead of being intimidated, Benedict sought clarity by consulting four prominent theologians.

“They provided him with insights, and that settled the matter,” Francis explained. “This anecdote demonstrates how Pope Benedict approached such complaints.”