Ongoing speculations about a secret dossier on the so-called “Vatileaks” affair. Benedict XVI. received those three Cardinals that had presented him the report in December.

On Monday, Benedict XVI. received the three Cardinals in charge of the investigation regarding the “Vatileaks” affair. It was four days before the end of his pontificate, that Benedict had held talks with the retired cardinals Julian Herranz, Jozef Tomko and Salvatore De Giorgi, according to sources from the Vatican. The three Cardinals had presented their second secret report to the Pope on December 17. This, so the view of the Italian media, had been the decisive factor for Benedict’s the resignation.

Files will keep new Pope busy

The mandate of the Cardinal’s Commission ended last year, the Vatican spokesman said. The Pope thanked the Cardinals for their investigations. “In fact, their work made it possible to detect, given the limitations and imperfections of the human component of each institution, the generosity, honesty and dedication of those who work in the Holy See at the service of the mission entrusted by Christ to the Roman Pontiff.”, it said in a press release.

Meaningful Meetings

The picture, drawn in the report of the three-cardinals commissioner, about the State of the Roman Curia, had been so dramatic, that it affirmed Benedict XVI. in his decision to resign, reported the Italian news magazine “Panorama”, but without mentioning names or facts. A few days later, newspapers like “Il Messaggero” or “La Repubblica” took up the argument.

As evidence, they cited, that Benedict XVI. received exactly these three Churches Commissioners in an audience again. The meeting was not only a farewell on Monday before the end of his pontificate. “Even though the meeting had been decided weeks ago that it was not canceled after the resignation announcement of the Pope”, “La Repubblica” reported. This testified the value, Benedict placed on the meeting with the Cardinals.