Four days after the funeral of Benedict XVI, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict’s long-time personal secretary, met with Pope Francis in the Vatican.
The private audience took place shortly before the public release of Gänswein’s memoir. Published in Italian, the book, titled “Nothing but the Truth: My Life Beside Benedict XVI,” details the archbishop’s 20 years of service to Benedict XVI. It was released on January 12th.
Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, has provided no comment on the memoir, which was co-authored by Italian journalist Saverio Gaeta.
In “Nothing but the Truth: My Life Beside Benedict XVI,” Gänswein gives a deep insight into everyday life with the German pope. He describes how Benedict XVI was already thinking about his own resignation in 2012, following his trip to Cuba and Mexico.
When the pope reached his decision, there was no way to change his mind, Gänswein reports. The former Cardinal and Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, alongside Gänswein, tried to convince him to stay on as Pope, but were only able to convince him to postpone his announcement until February 2013.
Gänswein also speaks very openly about his surprise at being abruptly relieved of his post as prefect of the papal household by Pope Francis. And yet, the archbishop also takes pains to emphasize the friendly relationship between Pope Francis and the Pope emeritus. He recounts how Francis would ask his predecessor for advice, and Benedict would not allow guests who visited him to complain about the sitting pope.
Gänswein also tells how Benedict XVI, even after his resignation, personally prepared his homilies with notes written in a notebook. The four consecrated laywomen who served the Pope emeritus recorded and transcribed them.
Overall, Gänswein’s memoir takes a very personal look back at the years he spent at Benedict XVI’s side. Alongside his personal insights, he offers historical context to the happenings Benedict’s papacy. But mostly, the former papal secretary wants the world to see Benedict XVI as he always saw him: as a humble servant in the Lord’s vineyard.
