As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to step down from his position in a matter of days, Italian newspapers are reporting rumors of blackmail and conspiracy. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.By Erin McClam, Staff Writer, NBC NewsDays before he steps down, Pope Benedict XVI has decided that the results of an investigation into explosive leaks from the Vatican will be made available only to two people — himself and his successor.
The Vatican made the announcement Monday after the pope met with three cardinals whom he appointed last year to look into the so-called "Vatileaks scandal."
“The Holy Father has decided that the facts of this investigation, the contents of which are known only to Himself, will be made available exclusively to the new Pontiff,” the Vatican said in a statement (http://www.news.va/en/news/vatican-statement-on-the-cardinals-commission-of-i).
The announcement adds a layer of intrigue and secrecy to the selection of Benedict’s successor (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/25/17087109-pope-changes-catholic-law-to-allow-earlier-start-for-conclave?lite). The pope announced earlier this month that he would abdicate, citing advanced age. His last day is Thursday.
Italian media have been rife with reports that the three cardinals’ investigation uncovered a web of corruption and even an underground gay network within the Vatican that exposed its members to blackmail.Slideshow: The life of Pope Benedict XVI (http://slideshow.nbcnews.com/id/47063826/displaymode/1247/?wbSlideShowId=47063826&wbSection=news)(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/_archive/News/_Religion/ss-120416-pope-benedict-birthday/ss-130211-pope-benedict-tease.380;380;7;70;0.jpg) (http://slideshow.nbcnews.com/id/47063826/displaymode/1247/?wbSlideShowId=47063826&wbSection=news)Javier Barbancho / AFP - Getty ImagesJoseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Look back at his life from childhood through his papacy.Launch slideshowItalian newspaper La Repubblica reported that Benedict made his decision to abdicate after reading a report from the three cardinals in December.
Over the weekend, the Vatican took the unusual step of lashing out at the Italian press (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/23/17068017-vatican-blasts-italian-media-for-false-and-damaging-reports) — accusing it of “unverifiable or completely false news stories” designed to influence the selection of the next pope.
Benedict’s former butler was sentenced in October to a year and a half in prison after he was found guilty of stealing thousands of Vatican documents, including letters alleging corruption inside the church.
Benedict pardoned the ex-butler, Paolo Gabriele, just before Christmas.
Related:
Britain’s top cardinal quits amid priests’ allegations (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/25/17086012-britains-top-catholic-cleric-resigns-amid-allegations-of-inappropriate-behavior?lite)
This story was originally published on Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:59 AM EST
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