A Turning Point in 2005
In April 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II, the Vatican convened the College of Cardinals to elect a new pontiff. Among the candidates was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Despite a growing reputation for humility and reformist values, he finished second to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a German prelate known for his doctrinal conservatism. Ratzinger was elected and assumed the papal title of Benedict XVI. The result was accepted by the Church, but it set the stage for an internal tension that would remain unresolved for years.
Two Paths Converge
By 2012, the Catholic Church found itself amid crisis. The Vatican leaks scandal, along with mounting criticism about mishandled sexual abuse allegations, had placed Benedict’s leadership under intense scrutiny. At the same time, Bergoglio had submitted his resignation as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, seeking to retire quietly from public life. The Vatican had not yet responded to his request.
As he prepared to travel to Rome to present his resignation in person, an unexpected summons arrived. Pope Benedict requested Bergoglio’s presence at the Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence. There, the two clergymen met for what would become a profound and intimate conversation. What began as a formal meeting soon drifted into discussions of faith, vocation, and personal history. Benedict, reserved and cerebral, introduced Bergoglio to one of his small pleasures—watching the crime drama Inspector Rex. The formalities were delayed, and their initial distance gradually lessened.
Revisiting the Past
As their dialogue deepened, Bergoglio shared stories from his early life. He had once been engaged to be married but had ended the relationship to pursue his calling in the Jesuit order. His spiritual journey was shaped significantly by his relationships with Father Franz Jalics and Father Orlando Yorio, whose influence left a lasting mark. During Argentina’s “Dirty War,” his leadership of the Jesuits came under heavy scrutiny. Both Jalics and Yorio were abducted and tortured by the military regime, and Bergoglio’s perceived inaction created wounds that would take decades to address.
Despite having reconciled with Jalics in later years, he never had the same chance with Yorio. The guilt lingered. Benedict listened and later refused to accept Bergoglio’s resignation, arguing that doing so would be interpreted as a lack of faith in Benedict’s leadership. He also warned that it would destabilize the Church’s already fragile image. The conversation continued into the next day as both men traveled back to the Vatican by helicopter.
A Confession in the Chapel
Within the Sistine Chapel’s “Room of Tears,” Pope Benedict revealed his true intention. He planned to resign. This news stunned Bergoglio, who insisted that the papal role was a lifelong commitment. Benedict explained that his view had evolved. Once a firm traditionalist, he now believed change was necessary. His time in office had altered his outlook, and his spiritual connection had faded.
The idea of Bergoglio succeeding him was raised, but the Argentine cardinal firmly rejected the notion. He cited his controversial history during Argentina’s dictatorship as a disqualifier. Though he had spent years serving in humble parish work and reconnecting with the people, he still carried the weight of those decisions.
Benedict, however, offered comfort. He reminded Bergoglio that moments of silence, hesitation, and fear were deeply human. He absolved him of his guilt. In a surprising reversal, Benedict also confessed his own silence regarding Father Marcial Maciel’s misconduct. Long aware of Maciel’s abuses, Benedict admitted his failure to act more decisively. It was, he implied, a key reason for his decision to step down. Bergoglio, moved by the revelation, returned the gesture—offering absolution to the Pope.
Emerging from the Sistine Chapel, the two were greeted unexpectedly by tourists. In a rare moment of spontaneity, Pope Benedict stepped outside to greet them and pose for photos. Bergoglio quietly returned to Argentina.
The Passing of the Mantle
In early 2013, Pope Benedict XVI made global headlines when he became the first pontiff in nearly 600 years to resign. The Catholic world watched as the College of Cardinals gathered once again. This time, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen to lead the Church. He adopted the name Pope Francis.
In his first blessing, the Urbi et Orbi, Pope Francis asked the faithful to pray for his predecessor. At Castel Gandolfo, Benedict watched the address on television. A year later, the two men—now representing the past and present of the Church—sat together to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final. Their respective home countries, Germany and Argentina, faced off.
