Former Pope Benedict XVI's longtime private secretary, Archbishop of Curia Georg Gänswein, reveals his life at the Vatican in a book he published. He called the Vatican a "very normal" place that, like the rest of the world, "has work, laughter, food, and mistakes."
Gunswin is a German clergyman born in Waldshut in 1956. He served as Benedict XVI's private secretary from 2005 until his abdication in 2013 and continued to accompany him until his death in 2022. He was also the Papal Prefect and was responsible for the administration of papal receptions and liturgical affairs.
Gunswin held an April 15 launch event in Altötting, Germany, for his new book, Nichts als die Wahrheit: Mein Leben an der Seite von Benedikt XVI. The book tells the story of his nearly three decades of friendship and collaboration with German Pope Joseph Ratzinger, as well as some of his views and testimonies inside and outside the Catholic Church.
"The Vatican is a world like everywhere," Gunswin said, only with different clothing ("the higher the floor, the longer the garment") – and "the walls are not as thick as you think". He revealed that the Vatican has one of the last entrances that can be accessed by car, guarded by the Swiss Guard. For decades, this entrance closed at 10 p.m. every day, later changed to midnight. If someone arrives later than this time, the bell must be rung. "Then someone will open the door and record the license plate number," he said. ”
Gunswin also said the Vatican is an "ancient" place with a long history and traditions. But he also stressed that the Vatican is not a closed and rigid place, but a place of vitality and innovation. "The Vatican is not a museum, but a home of life," he said. ”
In the book, Gonswin also recalls some memorable moments when he and Benedict XVI, such as their visits to Turkey, the United States, England, Germany and other countries, as well as scenes of them walking and praying in the Vatican gardens. Benedict XVI, he said, was a man of "great humility, great wisdom, great humor" and a "theological Mozart" whose ideas and writings had a profound influence on the Catholic Church.
Gonswain also spoke about his views on Pope Francis, saying he had a "respectful and friendly" relationship with Pope Francis, although they had different views on some issues. He said Francis was a "very courageous, very open, very innovative" pope who led the church through many challenges and changes. Gonswain said he supported some church reforms undertaken by Francis, such as financial management, media communication, and pastoral pastoral affairs in the diocese. But he also said he hoped the church would maintain the core of its traditions and beliefs and not be secularized or politicized.
Gonswin also does not shy away from some sensitive and controversial topics in the book, such as the reasons for the abdication of Benedict XVI, the power struggle within the Vatican, and the sexual assault scandal within the church. He said he was shocked and saddened by the abdication of Benedict XVI, but he also understood and respected his decision. He said that Benedict XVI made this "great and humble" gesture for the benefit of the church out of "conscience and divine will." Gonthwin also denied rumors that Benedict XVI was forced to abdicate, or that there was a rivalry or split between Benedict XVI and Francis.
Gonswain acknowledged that there was some "intrigue and betrayal" within the Vatican, but said it didn't represent the whole Vatican. He said the Vatican also has many "honest and faithful" people who serve the church in their respective positions. He said the Vatican needs more transparency and integrity to avoid some undesirable phenomena.
Gunswain expressed deep sadness and anger over the sexual assault scandal within the church, saying it was a "horrible and sinful" act that had caused harm to countless innocent people and brought great crisis to the church. He said the church must be accountable to the victims and punish the offenders. He said the church needs to thoroughly self-examine and renew and take effective measures to prevent and solve this problem.
After Gonswin's book was published in Italy, it attracted widespread attention and discussion. Some critics praised his book as a "sincere and moving" memoir that showed his "loyalty and fraternity" with Benedict XVI and revealed the "truth and complexity" of the Vatican. Other critics criticized his book as a "self-justifying" attempt to "excuse" the abdication of Benedict XVI and the crisis of the church, as well as "doubts" about Francis' papal identity and the direction of reform.
In an interview, Gonswin said his intention in writing the book was to "convey to the public a true and comprehensive image of Benedict XVI" and to "leave a testimony" for the historical events he experienced and witnessed. He said he did not want to quarrel or antagonize anyone, nor did he want to cause any trouble or division in the church. He said he just wanted to "tell the truth and nothing else."
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