The world has just received a surprise announcement from Pope Francis, who admitted that he was a key player in the counter-terrorism strategy Preventing the election of Joseph Ratzingeralso known as Pope Benedict XVI, during the 2005 conclave. This historical information was highlighted by the Spanish newspaper ABC and published by the Italian agency ANSA.
In one of the chapters of the book “El Sucesor,” a collection of interviews conducted by journalist Javier Martínez-Brucal, Pope Francis shares a series of memories and reflections about his relationship with his predecessor. The book is scheduled to be published on April 3, and promises to shed new light on behind the scenes at the Vatican.
How was Francisco used in the conclave?
During the secret meeting that culminated in Ratzinger's election, Francisco revealed that he received 40 votes out of 115 votes. This number of votes was enough to complicate Ratzinger's election, as he required a larger number of votes to reach the two-thirds needed to become pope.
The strategy behind the votes
Francisco explained, “The maneuver consisted of putting forward my name to prevent Ratzinger's election and then negotiating a third candidate.” It is a tactic that reveals not only the complex power within the Vatican, but also the reluctance of some cardinals to accept a foreign pope, which Francis shares.
Reveal intentions
When asked why he used such a strategy, Francis explained that those behind the votes had no intention of seeing him as pope. He also recalled the moment when, after carrying out the maneuver, he expressed to Colombian Cardinal Dario Castrón that he would not accept the nomination under any circumstances, a position that paved the way for Ratzinger's election.
Francisco did not hide his preference at the time, announcing it He saw Ratzinger as his “candidate.”Someone capable of continuing the revolution started by John Paul II. He also expressed his satisfaction with the election of Benedict XVI, admitting that if someone with the same profile had been chosen, he might not have been able to meet the challenges imposed.
A look to the future
Francis' announcement reopens an interesting chapter in the Vatican's modern history by showing that strategic moves, even in such a spiritual environment, can determine the course of his leadership. Now, it remains to be seen what impact these statements will have and how they may affect public perception about the process of selecting the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church.
With “El Sucesor” soon to be published, many are eager to delve deeper into the memories and thoughts of Francis, a pope who has already broken down countless barriers and who continues to amaze the world with his direct and humane approach to contemporary challenges to the Church. . .
