VATICAN CITY
ABC News – AM (Australia)
When Pope Benedict XVI unexpectedly announced his impending retirement he told the world he was simply too old to fulfil his duties, but Italian newspapers claim that a sex scandal, infighting and corruption within the Vatican were behind his decision. There are also demands that two cardinals not be allowed to take part in the conclave to elect a new pope.
Philip Williams
Transcript
TONY EASTLEY: When the Pope unexpectedly announced he was retiring he told the world he was simply too old to fulfil his duties. But Italian newspapers claim that a sex scandal, infighting and corruption within the Vatican were behind his decision.
Adding to the Vatican’s woes, there are demands that two cardinals not be allowed to take part in the conclave to elect a new pope.
Here’s Europe correspondent, Philip Williams.
PHILIP WILIAMS: With St Peter’s Square packed with tens of thousands of the faithful, Pope Benedict took to the balcony for his final Sunday blessing as Pontiff.
BENEDICT XVI: I offer warm greeting to all the English speaking visitors present for this Angelus prayer. I thank everyone for the many expressions of gratitude, affection, closeness and prayer which I have received in these days.
PHILIP WILIAMS: But even before he leaves, there are stories of dark forces within the Vatican – warring factions and illicit sexual encounters.
Italy’s La Republica newspaper says a red bound two volume report on nefarious activities within the Vatican walls convinced the Pontiff it was time to go.
This has been dismissed by the Pontiff’s media people, but it’s a story that refused to disappear ahead of the conclave of 117 cardinals who will decide amongst them who has the right qualities to be the next pope.
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