By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Vatican bows to pressure, releases retired pope's letter
Placeholder Image
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican bowed to pressure Saturday and released the complete letter by Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI about Pope Francis after coming under blistering criticism for selectively citing it in a press release and digitally manipulating a photograph of it. The previously hidden part of the letter provides the real explanation why Benedict refused to provide commentary on a new Vatican-published compilation of books about Francis' theological and philosophical background that was released to mark his fifth anniversary as pope. Benedict noted that one of the authors involved in the project had launched "virulent," ''anti-papist" attacks against his papacy and teaching.