Book on priestly celibacy: A clarification by Archbishop Gänswein

Archbishop Georg Gänswein

Source: Vatican News

The Prefect of the Papal Household and Personal Secretary of the Pope Emeritus says that Benedict XVI had not authorized the joint signature as co-author of Cardinal Sarah's essay on priestly celibacy.

Vatican News reports that Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Prefect of the Papal Household and Personal Secretary of the Pope Emeritus has issued a statement to the KNA and Ansa news agencies, regarding the book on priestly celibacy, carrying the signatures of Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah, to be published tomorrow in France:

"I can confirm that this morning, at the indication of the Pope emeritus, I asked Cardinal Robert Sarah to contact the publishers of the book requesting them to remove the name of Benedict XVI as co-author of the book itself, and also to remove his name from the introduction and conclusions."

"The Pope emeritus in fact knew the Cardinal was preparing a book", Archbishop Gänswein added, "and had sent a short text of his on the priesthood", authorizing the Cardinal to use it as he wished. But the Pope emeritus "had not approved any project for a co- signed book, nor had he seen and authorized the cover. It was a misunderstanding, without questioning the good faith of Cardinal Sarah".