I was shocked, but of course I accepted it, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, a former papal secretary, said of Benedict XVI’s decision to abdicate.
As he underlined, when he thinks of Benedetto the image of a good father comes to mind, always attentive and polite, who, in his sweetness, never scolds.
– I remember that once I made a mistake and apologized at the end of the day, and in the evening, when I said goodbye before going to bed, I apologized again. He said: “No, Father Alfred, you have already apologized and I have accepted it, so there is no need to apologize again,” recalls the current apostolic nuncio to Morocco.
He adds that this example taught him kindness and the willingness to forget any mistakes as soon as someone expresses remorse.
Former secretary of Benedict XVI on the pope’s abdication
Bishop Xuereb was close to Benedict XVI when he decided to abdicate. Despite this, the hierarch found out about it only 15 days before publicly announcing his resignation. – I was shocked because I never imagined such a decision, but of course I accepted it – he said on the Pope’s radio.
He added that Benedykt was very cheerful at that time, even on the day of his resignation. – Of course, I cried and during dinner I said: “Holy Father, he was very happy.” And he responded decisively: “Yes”, recalls Mgr. Xuereb. This serenity was also shared with the Pope at Castel Gandolfo, while the Church was in conclave.
The former papal secretary notes that Benedict XVI’s intention was to disappear into a monastery, to live a completely hidden life. – However, Pope Francis insisted several times that Benedict join him at certain moments, such as when he blessed the statue of St. Peter. Michael in the Vatican gardens or in various consistories – recalled Mgr. Xureb. – It was Francis who underlined: “We also appreciate your presence; it can also be a lesson for us”.
2024-01-03 21:13:00
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