From now on he’s going to have to do his pontificating.
From BEHIND BARS.
Possibly.
Pope Benedict, Joseph Ratzinger, has scheduled a meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (above) for Saturday, February 23 to discuss securing protection and immunity from prosecution [for child sex crimes] from the Italian government, according to Italian media sources.
Ratzinger’s meeting follows upon the apparent receipt by the Vatican of a diplomatic note from an undisclosed European government on February 4, stating its intention to issue an arrest warrant for Ratzinger, who resigned from his pontificate less than a week later.
In response to the February 23 meeting, the International Tribunal into Crimes of Church and State (ITCCS), through its field Secretary, Rev. Kevin Annett, has written to President Napolitano, asking him to refrain from assisting Ratzinger in evading justice.
Hmm.
Pope Seeks Immunity From Italian President (StuartWilde.com)
Meanwhile:
Pope Benedict’s decision to live in the Vatican after he resigns will provide him with security and privacy. It will also offer legal protection from any attempt to prosecute him in connection with sexual abuse cases around the world, Church sources and legal experts say.
“His continued presence in the Vatican is necessary, otherwise he might be defenseless. He wouldn’t have his immunity, his prerogatives, his security, if he is anywhere else,” said one Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“It is absolutely necessary” that he stays in the Vatican, said the source, adding that Benedict should have a “dignified existence” in his remaining years.
Pope Will Have Security, Immunity by Remaining in The Vatican (Reuters)
Thanks Nick Moran
(Zimbio)
