Skip to content

Report: Gänswein ordered to leave Vatican, return to home diocese without new role

According to a German newspaper report, Pope Francis ordered Archbishop Georg Gänswein to leave the Vatican and return to Germany by the end of June.

According to a German newspaper report, Pope Francis ordered Archbishop Georg Gänswein to leave the Vatican and return to Germany by the end of June. 

The longtime private secretary of Pope Benedict XVI has been told to return to his home diocese of Freiburg in southwest Germany but has not been given any role or assignment, the Welt newspaper reported on Friday. 

According to CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language partner agency, the report claims Pope Francis informed the 66-year-old Gänswein of his decision during a private audience on May 19. 

Gänswein had not responded to a request by CNA Deutsch by the time of publication, and the Vatican has not issued any communication on the matter. The future role of the late Benedict’s secretary has been the subject of rumor and gossip across Rome and the Church in Germany for months. Previous speculations included the claim that Gänswein would serve as papal ambassador in Costa Rica. The eloquent prelate is fluent in several languages, including German and Italian.

According to the German media report, Pope Francis “referred to the custom that the former private secretaries of deceased popes did not remain in Rome.”

A longtime secretary to Benedict, Gänswein also served as prefect of the Papal Household to both Benedict and his successor, Pope Francis, until February 2020.

Hailing from the Black Forest region of Germany, the son of a blacksmith was ordained a priest in 1984 by Archbishop Oskar Saier in Freiburg and holds a doctorate in canon law from Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich. 

Gänswein is expected in Germany later this week: He is scheduled to preside over Mass on Sunday, June 4, for an annual pilgrimage to the Cistercian monastery of Stiepel near Bochum, in Western Germany.

This article was originally published on Catholic News Agency

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

LIVE from the Vatican | Angelus with Pope Francis

LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope

Pope Francis Calls for Immediate Release of Israeli Hostages Held by Hamas

Pope Francis appeals for the release of hostages and expresses concern for the safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.

Pope Francis Prays for Peace on Eve of Hamas Attack Anniversary

On the eve of the anniversary of the Hamas attack, Pope Francis led a global prayer for peace, calling for an end to violence and urging the world to protect those affected by conflict.

Roman Lent Walking Tour

Join us on a journey through Rome’s 40 churches, tracing the footsteps of early Christians and exploring the

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Panamanian cardinal who went missing

The Vatican Press Office reported Feb. 15 that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal José Luis Lacunza

American Cardinals in the Next Conclave: Who They Are and Why They Matter

Ten Cardinal-electors are from the United States. Who are they? And how might they influence the upcoming Conclave 2025?

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit