Pope Francis rejected rumours of differences with Benedict,or that his predecessor was bitter about some decisions he had taken.
Francis plunged headfirst into his agenda,denouncing the exploitation of Africa by colonial powers,today’s multinational mining industries and neighbour’s interference in Congolese affairs.
Critics within the church are lining up to sink the boot into the 86-year-old,who has brought a more socially progressive agenda than his recent forebears to the role.
The Catholic Church must help put an end to “unjust” laws that criminalise homosexuality,Francis said.
Cardinals,bishops and church officials from around the world gathered at the holy site just four days after the Australian died from complications following a routine surgery.
The memo said the political influence of Pope Francis and the Vatican was “negligible” and that papal writings demonstrate an intellectual decline.
The late cardinal’s values will remain a prominent feature of the Catholic Church in Australia,experts say.
The Pope is saddened by Pell’s death and says Pell was a “consistent and committed witness” with a lifelong dedication to the church.
Western opponents of the current Pope’s agenda include former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. Could they champion an African cardinal to succeed him?
Benedict’s death on Saturday brought to an end a decade of the former and present pope living side-by-side in the Vatican.
In keeping with Benedict’s wishes,the ceremony was kept simple,sombre and sober,the Vatican said.