‘Nothing but the Truth’: A reader’s guide to Archbishop Gänswein’s memoir
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Loading... - Lucia Manzo
- 16 Jan 2023
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The memoir of Benedict XVI’s personal secretary is the most talked-about Catholic book in years. Here’s what’s in it.
Archbishop Georg Gänswein’s memoir “Nothing but the Truth” is the most talked-about Catholic book in years.
Released on Jan. 12, it recounts the archbishop’s experiences as Benedict XVI’s personal secretary and concludes with the pope emeritus’ death and funeral.
The book, published in Italian by Edizioni Piemme, runs to more than 300 pages and is co-written with the journalist Saverio Gaeta.
It has stirred controversy because of its candid description of the relationship between Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, and its citation of previously confidential documents.
Characters
Archbishop Georg Gänswein: The book’s narrator is Archbishop Gänswein, a 66-year-old German living in Vatican City. Dubbed “Gorgeous George” by the media on account of his chiseled features, he holds two demanding roles for much of the book: he is personal secretary to Benedict XVI and the prefect of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Vatican department responsible for papal audiences and ceremonies.
Benedict XVI: The German pope, known as Joseph Ratzinger until his election in 2005, is not only Archbishop Gänswein’s superior but also his mentor. He became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years in 2013, after which he adopted the title “pope emeritus” and retired to a monastery in Vatican City. Read More…
