|
| Mafia Links, Parkinson’s Disease, New Sex Scandal: Wild Conspiracy Theories on Pope's Resignation
The Mirror
February 12, 2013
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/pope-benedict-wild-conspiracy-theories-1706485
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.
By Rachael Bletchly
Comments
Mafia links, Parkinson’s disease, new sex scandal: Wild conspiracy theories on Pope's resignation
13 Feb 2013 01:00
His decision to quit has sparked a flood of conspiracy theories – especially after lightning struck the Vatican just hours after the announcement
Electric: The dome of St Peter's Basilica hit by lightning Electric: The dome of St Peter's Basilica hit by lightning
AFP/Getty
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.
4 The decision on the Pope’s move to the nunnery was supposedly made only after his resignation on Monday. However, the building was vacated in November and a full refurbishment began, sparking claims the Vatican knew more about his departure than it admits.
5 In 2009, the Pope visited the tomb of Celestine V, a former pontiff who resigned in 1296, only to be locked up by his successor and die behind bars. This, apparently, was a clue to Benedict’s own intentions.
|