Dolan Responds To Rumors Surrounding Pope Benedict's Resignation
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Cardinal Timothy Dolan responded Saturday to rumors about the reason for Pope Benedict XVI's surprise resignation announced earlier this month.
The Vatican pushed back Saturday against what it called a series of false reports about the Pope's resignation.
The reports in the Italian media, specifically La Reppublica, link the pope's resignation to a secret dossier that holds the results of an internal inquiry into leaked documents out of Vatican City.
In the course of that inquiry, sexual misconduct, including gay sexual activity by clergy members, may have been uncovered, according to the paper.
The paper reported that Pope Benedict XVI resigned after receiving the inquiry's report.
The Vatican said the speculation could influence the conclave of cardinals, who will be gathering to elect Pope Benedict's successor.
Dolan said that he didn't think there was much to the rumors.
"Unfortunately, the church always seems, sadly, to provide fodder for these soap opera-type gossip and innuendo," Dolan said. "I don't think there's much to it. I certainly hope not."
Dolan said the public should accept the Pope's stated explanation for his resignation, which was his frailty.