VATICAN CITY – Archbishop Georg Gänswein, a figure often at the center of Vatican discussions, has shared a poignant account of his reconciliation with Pope Francis. Speaking in Rome during the presentation of a new book of unpublished homilies by Benedict XVI, Gänswein disclosed that he apologized to Pope Francis during their last audience before the pontiff’s passing. “It wasn’t always easy with Francis, but before his death, when I had my last audience, I apologized to him. We reconciled,” Gänswein stated, his demeanor reflecting a sense of peace.
A Return to Rome and a Legacy Revisited
Gänswein’s visit to Rome marks his return from his diplomatic post as nuncio to the Baltic States. His primary reason for the trip was to present “God is the True Reality,” a collection of previously unreleased homilies by Benedict XVI. This book offers a unique glimpse into Ratzinger’s private spiritual life, including his reflections during his retirement at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery. Father Federico Lombardi described the collection as “the last testimony we have of him and his voice,” underscoring Gänswein’s crucial role in preserving this aspect of Benedict’s legacy.
The Complex Relationship with Pope Francis
The relationship between Gänswein and Pope Francis has been a subject of intense media scrutiny. Following Benedict XVI’s funeral in January 2023, Gänswein’s memoir, which seemed to hint at tensions and included excerpts from private correspondence between the two pontiffs, fueled public speculation. Gänswein, however, does not shy away from acknowledging the complexities. “It would be insincere if I said, ‘Everything went well, everything was fine, it was just journalists saying these things.’ No, reality is reality. And if there was something that didn’t work, then you don’t close your eyes: you apologize,” he explained, offering a candid perspective on their dynamic.
In a gesture of profound respect and reconciliation, Gänswein recounted his visit to Santa Maria Maggiore in June, where Pope Francis is interred. “The archpriest of the basilica, Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, accompanied me. I knelt before Francis’s tomb and prayed, of course. The Pope is the Pope, the successor of Peter…” he shared, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the act.
Diplomatic Challenges and Personal Reflections
As the Holy See’s ambassador to the Baltic States, Gänswein faces significant geopolitical challenges. He describes his role as “a beautiful challenge” in a region marked by complex historical and political sensitivities, particularly given their recent liberation from Soviet rule. When asked about his future and whether he misses Rome, Gänswein smiled, stating, “I am not a prophet. I lived in Rome for twenty-eight years, and my heart is certainly Roman.” This sentiment underscores his deep connection to the Eternal City and his past service.
Benedict XVI: The Theologian and Homilist
The newly published homilies highlight Joseph Ratzinger’s profound theological insights and his exceptional ability as a homilist. The book contains “jewels” such as meditations on death, resurrection, and eternity as “living in the memory of God.” Gänswein expressed his hope for Benedict XVI’s beatification process, drawing parallels to Ratzinger’s own conviction of Wojtyła’s sanctity. “Yes, I had the same impression. I was beside Benedict for many years and saw how he lived, how he faced great problems and always sought an answer founded in faith. And then, his faith in Providence… All of this was part of his spiritual DNA,” Gänswein affirmed, citing global correspondence from individuals whose faith was illuminated by Benedict’s words.
The Tridentine Mass: A Lingering Debate
Gänswein also weighed in on the contentious issue of the Tridentine Mass. He criticized the restrictions imposed by Pope Francis on the celebration of the 1962 Roman Missal, which Benedict XVI had previously liberalized in 2007. Gänswein argued against the notion that abuses justify prohibiting the Tridentine Mass, stating, “Abusus non tollit usum – the fact that there have been abuses is not a reason to prohibit the Tridentine Mass.” He suggested a reconsideration of Benedict XVI’s approach, which he believed brought “liturgical peace” to the universal Church, a peace that has unfortunately been damaged by subsequent restrictions.
Gänswein’s candid reflections offer a unique perspective on recent Vatican history, touching upon personal reconciliations, the enduring legacy of a beloved pontiff, and ongoing debates within the Church. His words invite deeper consideration of the challenges and transitions facing the Catholic Church today.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_11/don-georg-gaenswein-mi-sono-scusato-e-riconciliato-con-francesco-prima-che-morisse-ho-pregato-sulla-sua-tomba-c4f72f50-9687-41f2-ba92-4f6e774e0xlk.shtml
