Former Pope Benedict XVI published a memoir in which he claims that no one forced him to abdicate, but states that the gay lobby in the Vatican tried to influence decision-making, writes the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
For the first time in the history of the Vatican, a pope writes about his ontificate, and in the book "Last Conversations" Benedict XVI published long interviews he conducted with German journalist Peter Siveld, which will be published on September 9.
Benedict XVI stepped down from the Vatican throne in 2013, becoming the first pope in 600 years to abdicate.
In extensive excerpts from the book, the paper writes that Benedict says he knew about the existence of a "gay lobby" consisting of four or five people who were also trying to influence Vatican decisions.
It is also said that the retired pope managed to break this, as it is stated, powerful group.
The former pope says in the book that only a few very close people knew of his intention to step down, fearing the news might leak before he made the sudden announcement on February 11, 2013.
He also says that he "couldn't believe it" when the cardinals elected him in a secret conclave in 2005 as the successor of John Paul II, but also that he was "surprised" when Pope Francis was chosen as his successor in 2013, the portal reported. Index.hr.
Bonus video:
