"Pope Benedict XVI: A Legacy of Faith and Controversy Remembered on Anniversary"

On the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's death, his close aides, including Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, emphasized that he would not have approved the recent declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The declaration, which came out in December, has been seen by some as a step towards same-sex marriage in the Church, a notion Mueller rejects. Pope Francis acknowledged Benedict's service during a Sunday blessing, while Mueller stated he maintains a good personal relationship with Francis but openly disagrees on doctrinal issues. Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, who served as Benedict's secretary, held a memorial Mass and expressed hope that Benedict would be recognized as a saint.