Pope Francis has not
granted Monsignor Georg Gaenswein an indefinite leave of absence
from his role as prefect of the papal household, Vatican
spokesman Matteo Bruni told ANSA Wednesday, denying a report in
German newspaper Die Tagepost.
"There has been no leave of absence, but only an ordinary
redistribution of the various commitments and functions of the
Prefect of the Papal Household, who is also particular secretary
of the pope emeritus (Benedict XVI)", Bruni said, explaining the
German clergyman's absence from Pope Francis's side in recent
appearances including his general audience earlier Wednesday.
The German newspaper had said the alleged leave would give
Gaenswein 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.
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