UNITED KINGDOM
Mirror
Rumours are rife that the Pope’s resignation is not all it seems, despite the Vatican’s official statements.
Benedict XVI’s papacy has been dogged by controversies, including paedophile scandals and claims of money-laundering links to the Mafia.
So perhaps it is no surprise that his decision to quit has sparked a flood of conspiracy theories – especially after lightning struck St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican just hours after the announcement.
Five wild Pope rumours
1 A plot was hatched to force the Pope to stand down under threat of “shocking” new revelations from the money-laundering scandal. A full report, compiled by three cardinals, has never been revealed.
2 He has Parkinson’s disease like predecessor Pope John Paul II. The Vatican has denied the claim.
3 A new paedophile scandal is about to erupt. According to one blog, a document will emerge linking the Pope to a priest accused of molesting boys. The cleric was given therapy in 1980 and allowed to resume pastoral duties, only to commit further abuses and be prosecuted. Pope Benedict, who then headed the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, allegedly approved the priest’s transfer for therapy.
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