Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI yesterday took the unusual step of attempting to lay to rest speculation that he could become a problem for his successor, Francis.
In a letter written to Italian website Vatican Insider, 86- year-old Benedict described speculation that he had been forced to resign one year ago as “simply absurd”, saying: “The only condition for the validity of my resignation is the complete freedom of my decision. Speculation regarding its validity is simply absurd.”
In recent weeks the anniversary of Benedict's resignation, the first by a pope in almost 500 years, has prompted much speculation. Some commentators have suggested that, in the context of the 2012 "Vatileaks" scandal, his resignation might have been forced and therefore be "invalid". The point here is that church law rules that a papal resignation is valid only if taken in full freedom and without pressure from others.
The obvious implication is that, rather than having resigned, Benedict has retained an ill-defined but active role in the pontificate of his successor.
Asked about this speculation by religious affairs correspondent Andrea Tornielli, the former pope was categoric, saying there was not the "slightest doubt" about the validity of his resignation.
Speculation lingers
Speculation about Benedict's role as some sort of alternative pope, a figure who might generate a schism, has never been taken seriously by senior Vatican insiders and commentators.
Despite that, the speculation lingers. It only requires an extraordinary event like Benedict's attendance at last Saturday's ceremony in St Peter's Basilica, when Pope Francis created 19 new cardinals, for the speculation to take flight again.
The unusual sight of two men in papal white at the same celebration prompted some to argue Benedict was about to resume a more active role in church life. Others have questioned why he chose to retain his papal name rather than returning to his pre-election name.
In his letter, Benedict addressed both issues. “Maintaining the white habit and the name Benedict was simply a matter of practicality. At the time of my resignation, I had no other garments available. Anyway, I wear the white habit in a totally different way from the pope . . .”