Title: Former Papal Secretary Georg Gänswein Ordered to Return to Home Diocese
Date: July 1st, 2023
In a surprising personnel decision, Pope Francis has ordered Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the former papal secretary, to return to his home diocese of Freiburg. This announcement has garnered significant public interest, as it marks an unprecedented case in the Catholic world of offices.
Archbishop Gänswein, who served as the papal secretary to both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, will now have to reside in his home diocese without an intended office, despite holding the rank of bishop. This unique situation has raised questions about how Archbishop Gänswein will sustain himself financially in the future.
One thing is certain: he cannot expect any financial support from the Baden-Württemberg state government. Unlike in Bavaria, where clergymen are paid from the state budget, bishops in Baden-Württemberg are financed through church tax funds. The press office of the state government has clarified that the return of Archbishop Gänswein will not impose any additional financial burden on the state budget.
However, it is speculated that the Archdiocese of Freiburg, which raises funds through church taxes, may provide financial support to Archbishop Gänswein. Talks are already underway regarding possible activities for him within the diocese, and his future earnings will depend on the nature of his work.
The Vatican’s message regarding Archbishop Gänswein’s return to Freiburg includes the phrase “per il momento” (for the moment), leaving uncertainty about whether the Pope may call him elsewhere at a later date. This ambiguity poses challenges for the Archdiocese of Freiburg in planning reliably with Gänswein, creating legal uncertainty for all parties involved.
Church historian Ulrich Nersinger has expressed his desire for a definitive decision from the Pope regarding Gänswein’s future. Nersinger emphasizes the importance of clearly outlining how someone in Gänswein’s position will be protected, both officially and financially. He believes that Gänswein should not be left to collect for his living in front of the Freiburg Cathedral.
In the meantime, Gänswein can rely on the royalties from his book “Nothing but the Truth,” which has been translated into several languages. Additionally, his extensive experience and reputation may lead to opportunities for public lectures and appearances. It is also possible that Gänswein has acquired pension entitlements through his years of service in the Vatican.
As of July 1st, Archbishop Georg Gänswein will begin his new chapter in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, where he will navigate the challenges of living without a designated role while exploring potential avenues for his future endeavors.
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Freiburg do not receive any financial assistance from the government. This means that Archbishop Gänswein will have to rely on other sources of income, such as donations or personal savings.
The reasons behind Pope Francis’ decision to order Archbishop Gänswein’s return to his home diocese remain unclear. Some speculate that it may be a result of internal conflicts within the Vatican or disagreements between the Pope and the former papal secretary.
Archbishop Gänswein has been a controversial figure in recent years, particularly due to his close relationship with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He has often been referred to as “Benedict’s right-hand man” and there have been rumors of a power struggle between him and Pope Francis.
His return to Freiburg raises questions about his future role and influence within the Catholic Church. While he will no longer hold the prestigious position of papal secretary, it is uncertain whether he will continue to hold any significant positions of authority. This uncertainty has led to speculation about the future direction of his career in the Church.
Overall, Pope Francis’ decision to order Archbishop Gänswein’s return to his home diocese has sparked interest and speculation within the Catholic community. It remains to be seen how this unprecedented case will unfold and what it means for the future of Archbishop Gänswein’s career in the Church.
While the future role of Archbishop Georg Gänswein remains uncertain, it is undoubtedly a blessing for Freiburg to potentially welcome him back. His return could bring a wealth of wisdom and experience, even without a defined role. Time will tell what exciting opportunities lie ahead for this esteemed church figure.
It seems uncertain what lies ahead for Archbishop Georg Gänswein as he contemplates his return to Freiburg without a defined role. Perhaps this open-ended opportunity will lead to unexpected paths that will shape his future endeavors. Only time will reveal the true narrative of his journey.