Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop George Gänswein as the apostolic messenger to end the ongoing controversy that had been brewing between them. Gänswein, who had been in “exile” without order in Freiburg, will now receive the prestigious post of ambassador to the Holy See. It is not yet known where Gänswein will move as a nuncio.
The strained relationship between Francis and Gänswein dates back years, stemming from tension between Benedict XVI and his successor. Gänswein was suspected of having influence on Benedict’s criticisms of Francis’ actions after his resignation, which he denied. In addition, Gänswein caused outrage in the Vatican by publishing a book shortly after Benedict’s death titled “Nothing but the Truth,” aggressively promoting it.
Gänswein served as Pope Benedict’s private secretary and confidant for many years until his death in 2022. However, he was given permanent leave by Pope Francis in 2020 and no longer had an official role in the Vatican. The publication of a book in interview form titled “El Sucesor” (The Successor), where Pope Francis accused Gänswein of a “lack of humanity” and “using” Benedict, further strained their relationship. The pope expressed disappointment that Gänswein published the book on the day of Benedict’s funeral, calling it a lack of nobility and humanity.
Overall, this appointment appears to be a move by Pope Francis to mend their rift and put an end to the controversies that have plagued their relationship in recent years.
