An unpublished response by Benedict XVI has come to light regarding the “munus” and the “ministerium”. Fully aware of the conspiracy theories, Ratzinger reaffirmed that he had also renounced the munus, urging readers to ignore certain journalists.

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In 2014, Benedict XVI wrote a letter to Msgr. Nicola Bux that had never been made public until now.

The content may seem straightforward, were it not for the fact that even then some bizarre theories were already circulating — claiming that by renouncing only the “ministerium” (the practical exercise of power) and not the “munus” (the title of pope), Pope Ratzinger had effectively retained his office, creating a kind of hidden schism.

In the recently uncovered text, here is the response given by the then Pope Emeritus:

“To say that in my renunciation I left ‘only the exercise of the ministry and not also the munus’ contradicts clear dogmatic-canonical doctrine […]. If certain journalists speak of a ‘creeping schism’, they do not deserve any attention.”

 

Here below is a portion of the letter by Benedict XVI:

 

Is the debate over the so-called false resignation now closed?

The letter has emerged eleven years later in the newly published book “Reality and Utopia in the Church”, edited by Nicola Bux and Vito Palmiotti.

Considering how many have spent years fantasising online about the alleged renunciation of the “ministerium” alone—many of whom have since seriously abandoned the Catholic Church—one wonders why Bux and Palmiotti waited so long to publish this text.

A letter which, at this point, won’t change much. Too much has already been written and invented, and those inclined to do so will still try to find a way to cling to their views without retracting anything.

The theory of Ratzinger’s false abdication will fade away on its own, slowly, a natural death from lack of interest. A true conspiracy theorist never yields to evidence — not even when it comes from the person directly involved.

From a technical standpoint, canon lawyer Rosario Vitale has explained on UCCR why “munus” and “ministerium” cannot be separated and must be understood as synonymous.

 

Benedict XVI never played at subterfuge

The then Pope Emeritus once again stated that his resignation from the papacy was “fully valid”, and deemed “well-founded” the parallel “between the diocesan bishop and the Bishop of Rome with regard to the matter of resignation”.

In other words: just as the title of emeritus bishop is customary, so too is the title of pope emeritus justified.

Benedict had already reiterated in 2014 that “there is not the slightest doubt about the validity of my resignation from the Petrine ministry. The only condition for its validity is the complete freedom of the decision. Speculation about invalidity is simply absurd.”

In the recently published text, he further emphasises that the “journalists” who spread these claims “do not deserve any attention.”

Benedict XVI once again stands out as he always has: a man of truth, balance, and the Church.

He never sought ambiguity, never played with symbols nor sowed mysteries or codes. He left the pontificate with the same clarity with which he had lived it — fully aware of the gravity of the gesture and faithful to canon law.

He said it, wrote it, repeated it, even when he could have remained silent. This previously unpublished letter is yet more proof.