For the first time in history, the Vatican will host two popes.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has announced he’s moving back to the city-state, United Press International reported. He has been staying at the Vatican’s Castel Gandolfo summer residence outside Rome.
Benedict is going to fly back to the Vatican and live in his new Vatican garden home — located an estimate half-mile from Pope Francis’ home, UPI said.
Vatican watchers wonder if the proximity of popes might lead to problems. But Vatican officials say not to worry. Benedict will be spending his time in study and prayer only, UPI reported.
Meanwhile, the new pope continues to inspire chatter about possible reforms.
It’s still not clear whether he will close the Vatican Bank, an alleged money-laundering outlet, though Vatican officials say that’s rumor and will not occur.
“The pope was surprised to see attributed to him phrases that he never said and that misrepresent his thought,” said Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu in a UPI report.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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