"Pope Benedict's Legacy: Controversy and Contrast on Same-Sex Blessings and Papal Relations"
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 Vatican commemorated Benedict's legacy, with Pope Francis expressing admiration and gratitude for his predecessor. The event highlighted the ongoing conservative-progressive divide within the Church, with Mueller openly stating his willingness to disagree with Pope Francis on doctrinal issues. Meanwhile, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, who served as Benedict's private secretary, celebrated a memorial Mass and expressed hope for Benedict's eventual sainthood.