Benedict XVI kept a diary throughout his papacy but plans to destroy it, according to an Italian newspaper. The retired pope apparently revealed that he kept the diary in a new book-length interview to be published in September.
The book, called Letzten Gespräche (“The Last Conversations”), follows the format of previous book-length interviews Light of the World and Salt of the Earth and shares the same German author, Peter Seewald.
The Corriere della Sera newspaper, which has acquired the rights to publish excerpts of the book in Italy, published a preview last week. According to the article, the Pope Emeritus said he planned to destroy his diary even though he realised it would be a “golden opportunity” for historians.
Benedict XVI also said he managed to “break up” a gay lobby at the Vatican consisting of four or five people seeking to influence decisions, the article reported, but admitted to “lack of resoluteness in governing”. The 240-page book will be released on September 9.
The news of its release followed a Vatican celebration of the 65th anniversary of Benedict’s priestly ordination. The celebration was attended by Pope Francis, senior Vatican officials and several guests.
In his first address in almost a year, Benedict XVI expressed his sincere gratitude to Francis, saying that his goodness “from the first moment of your election, in every moment of my life here, touches me deeply”. He said: “More than the beauty found in the Vatican Gardens, your goodness is the place where I live; I feel protected.” He expressed hope that Francis would continue “to lead us all on this path of Divine Mercy”.
Cause of American war hero priest takes a step forward
The cause of Fr Emil Kapaun, was a military chaplain in the Korean War and died in a prison camp, has taken a step forward and is now being considered for the first stage in canonisation.
Six historical advisers to the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes have approved the documents submitted by the Diocese of Wichita on behalf of Fr Kapaun’s Cause.
The documents were originally presented to the congregation as part of the positio, or position paper, for Fr Kapaun and were prepared by the postulator, Andrea Ambrosi.
The positio is the official document that will be used to determine if Fr Kapaun lived a life of heroic virtue and sanctity. If such a determination is made, the priest will be declared Venerable, the first major step towards canonisation.
The 1,066-page report on the life and holiness of Fr Kapaun was delivered to the Vatican saints’ department in November.
Fr Kapaun, ordained for the Wichita diocese in 1940, served in the US Army as a chaplain and died in 1951 in a Korean prisoner of war camp after heroically serving his fellow soldiers. He was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor posthumously in 2013.
Syrians ‘should be repatriated’
refugees comprise half the people living in Lebanon, Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, has said during a visit to New York.
He said these refugees were attractive targets for terrorist recruiting. At the office of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association the cardinal said resettling refugees was not the answer. “We must find a just, global and lasting peace for refugees, repatriate them and help them rebuild their lives and businesses,” he said.
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