Vatican spokesman points out that the article relies on unnecessary comparisons with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Despite the joy that greeted the inclusion of Pope Francis on the cover of US rock magazine Rolling Stone, the Vatican has voiced its displeasure at the content of the accompanying story.
Speaking about the current issue of the publication which features a smiling Pope Francis, Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi points out that the article, penned by journalist Mark Binelli, on his pontificate relies on unnecessary comparisons with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“Unfortunately, the article disqualifies itself, falling in the usual mistake of a superficial journalism, which in order to highlight the positive aspects of Pope Francis, thinks it should describe in a negative way the pontificate of Pope Benedict, and does so with a surprising crudeness,” Fr Lombardi said. “This is not the way to do a good service even to Pope Francis, who knows very well what the Church owes to his predecessor.”