In new biography, ex-pope sees Antichrist at work in the modern world
A major new biography of retired pope Benedict XVI published on Monday seeks to show his strengths and humanity. But his comments on sexuality and the ongoing conflict with liberal Catholic theologians are likely to provoke further controversy over the man charged with acting like a “shadow pope.”
The final chapters of a voluminous new biography of Benedict XVI, who retired as pope seven years ago, carry the biggest punch. Modern society is in the process of “formulating an anti-Christian creed,” in Benedict’s view.
Taxed by author Peter Seewald, Pope Emeritus Joseph Ratzinger reveals his strident opposition to modern trends on sexuality, abortion and human genetic research.
“A hundred years ago everyone would have seen it as absurd to talk about homosexual marriage. Today, anyone opposed to it is socially excommunicated,” says Ratzinger, who bucked convention to stand down as pope in 2013.
“The same applies to abortion and making humans in the laboratory,” the 93-year-old says, expressing “fear at the spiritual power of the Antichrist.”
In the following exchange Ratzinger also reveals that he was once in love: “Did you ever love a girl?” – “Maybe.” – “Is that a yes?” – “One could interpret it that way.”
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Over 1,000 closely researched pages, Seewald commends Ratzinger as the pope who strove to open up the Catholic Church in the face of repeated sexual abuse scandals, by contrast with the many critics who see nothing but cover up.
The author also rejects the widely held thesis that the future pope shifted from progressive to reactionary in response to the 1968 student revolts. (dpa)
