ADVERTISEMENTIn a saga befitting the Oscar-nominated movie “The Two Popes,” Benedict co-wrote a book reaffirming the “necessity” of a celibate priesthood. But the controversy made clear once again that the unprecedented reality of a retired and reigning pope still has some wrinkles to be ironed out. Some commentators have called for new rules for future retired popes, including not allowing them to be called “emeritus pope” or wear the papal white cassock, to remove all real and symbolic associations with the papacy. Sarah produced letters from Benedict making clear Benedict had written the text and approved of publishing it as a book. “However, the complete text will remain absolutely unchanged.”While the scandal might have died down, the implications for the office of the “emeritus pope” and Sarah have not.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 14, 2020 20:48 UTC