Pope Emeritus Benedict told an Italian newspaper on Monday that some of his most “fanatical” followers have refused to accept his resignation, arguing that they had fallen into “conspiracy theories”.
News Wires reported that the former pope told the Corriere della Sera in an interview that his resignation was a “conscious choice” that his followers must accept.
“It was a difficult decision. But it was a fully conscious decision and I think I did well, “he told the newspaper, adding:” Some of my most fanatical friends are still upset, they have not accepted my choice. “
“They don’t want to believe in a choice that has been made consciously,” Benet continued. “But my conscience is clear.”
Benedict then reaffirmed his call for all Catholics to accept Pope Francis
Pope Francis attacked “fanatical friends” who have not accepted the resignation Experts advise against the pope’s trip to Iraq amid a pandemic Italy commemorates one year of its first known case COVID-19 MORE like the legitimate, current pope, slapping the arm of the chair and declaring, “There’s only one pope,” according to Reuters.
Benedict was elected pope by the College of Cardinals in 2005 and served until his resignation in 2013. He then took the title of pope emeritus, an unusual move as popes usually serve for life instead of resigning. .
He has made occasional public appearances since his resignation in 2013, but has largely remained in the shadow of Francis, now the public face of the Catholic Church.