Pope Francis on his predecessor Benedict: He “didn’t deserve that”

Pope Francis (88) was pained to see his predecessor Benedict XVI. (1927-2022) was “instrumentalized” after his death. In his autobiography “Hoffe” (Kösel-Verlag, January 14), the head of the Catholic Church explains: “Benedict was a father and a brother to me. We always had an authentic and deep relationship.” The 88-year-old adds in his book: “And contrary to the myths that some people spin, he helped me right to the end, advised me, supported me and defended me. He broadened horizons, encouraged confrontations, but at the same time always respecting our roles.”

Francis further explains in “Hope” about Benedict: “He did not deserve this instrumentalization at the moment of his death, especially at the time of his burial. That really hurt me.”

After Benedict’s death on December 31, 2022, critics of the incumbent pope appeared to have increasingly spoken out. Just a few weeks later, on his return flight after a trip to Africa, Francis spoke about how his predecessor’s death had been “instrumentalized” by people who wanted to profit. “The people who take advantage of such a good person, a Holy Father of God… These people have no ethics, they are party people, not church people.”

Benedict XVI, who was born Joseph Ratzinger in Bavaria, resigned from his office in February 2013. He cited a “lack of mental and physical strength” due to his advanced age.

In “Hope,” Pope Francis also addresses his personal health problems. After two abdominal operations in 2021 and 2023, he is now doing well. “I can eat anything, and the simplest explanation for all of this is that I’m just getting old.” What bothered him more, said Francis, was the “physical humiliation of knee pain.” At first he was embarrassed about having to rely on a wheelchair, “but age brings with it a lot of things,” and you have to take it as it comes […]. The Pope continues to receive physical therapy twice a week. “I walk with a cane. I take as many steps as I can and that’s how it works.”

Even after his operations, he didn’t think about giving up, the Pope said. “Of course, this possibility always exists. Shortly after the election, I entrusted the Cardinal Chamberlain with a letter in which I declared my resignation in the event that there were medical reasons for this.” If this were to happen, he would remain in Rome as bishop emeritus.

Elsewhere in “Hope” Francis says: When it comes to his death, he has a “quite pragmatic attitude.” He will not be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The previous pompous burial ceremony should be simplified for him. He asked the Lord for his mercy once again, the Pope said about his death: “Take care of me. Let it happen whenever you want. But you know that I am somewhat squeamish when it comes to physical pain.. . So please, make sure it doesn’t hurt too much.”

Jorge Mario Bergoglio is the first pope in history to produce an autobiography during his lifetime. In “Hoffe” (384 pages including images, 24 euros) he not only tells his entire life story, but also addresses the central themes of his pontificate. In the book, which was written in collaboration with Carlo Musso, he reports emotionally and humorously what shaped him and what drives him.