Gaenswein granted indefinite leave

(ANSA) - Vatican City, February 5 - Pope Francis has granted Monsignor Georg Gaenswein an indefinite leave of absence from his role as prefect of the papal household, according to a report in German newspaper Die Tagepost. The newspaper said this would give the German clergyman, who is also the personal secretary of Benedict XVI, freedom to spend more time with the former pope. Gaenswein was not present at Francis's weekly general audience on Wednesday and also missed private audiences of recent days.
    According to the report, Gaenswein would continue to formally hold the position of prefect of the papal household. Gaenswein was involved in a recent controversy about a book on priestly celibacy that came out in France with Benedict's name as co-author along with Cardinal Robert Sarah. The case has caused controversy as Pope Francis is considering a proposal to allow married men to be ordained in the Amazon region.
    During the row, Gaenswein announced that Benedict had requested his name be removed as co-author of the book.