Msgr. Ratzinger: My brother won’t write any more books

In an interview with German journalist Michael Hesemann, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger—the older brother of Pope Emeritus Benedict—said that his brother’s literary work is complete and he will not be publishing anything else. He also said that Pope Benedict has “no acute illness” and that fear of having a stroke played no role in his decision to resign earlier this year, as had been rumored.

The original German report is here; from an English translation:

Georg Ratzinger said that the Pope’s decision came after his return from Mexico in late March 2012. At that time the doctors had discouraged him from travelling so far. But because of World Youth Day in Brazil and a visit to the Philippines was possible “he believed it was no longer to be the right thing to remain in office.” The demands on a Pope today are much greater than they were even 50 years ago. “He must be in full possession of his powers, and cannot, as used to be possible, to simply cut back.” 

According to his brother Benedict XVI has nothing more to write. “His literary work is completed, there will be no further publications,” Ratzinger said 

Georg Ratzinger said his brother did not know his successor well before his election. 

Pope Francis was apparently a blank slate for. Benedict XVI. He never talked about Jorge Mario Bergoglio, George Ratzinger said. “I think he did not know him well, probably only slightly”. 

Monsignor Ratzinger said his brother knows the new style which his successor has introduced is unfamiliar to people and some may be preparing for trouble because he does many things differently than before. On the question of whether Benedict XVI welcomes the changes he said “He never really talks about it, because he does not want there to be any possibility of him standing in the way of his successor or to cause him difficulties or problems of any sort, but he also appreciates him very much.”

Via Catholic Culture.