On February 7, 2013, Michel Barnier was received in private audience by Benedict XVI at the Vatican. As he leaves, he senses what is going to happen…
By Emmanuel Berretta
Published on
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Dn the long and turbulent history of the papacy, only ten have renounced the tiara. Benedict XVI, who has just passed away, is the last to have triggered canon 332 of the Code of Canon Law: “If it happens that the Roman pontiff renounces his office, it is required for the validity that the renunciation be made freely and duly manifested, but not accepted by anyone. »
This resignation had not occurred since July 4, 1415 when Gregory XII was forced to resign to end the Great Schism. At the time, we had plenty of popes since we had two. The two successively gave up and a period of vacancy opened for two years. In any case, over the centuries, the renunciation fell into oblivion.
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“Is it possible that he resigns? »
And yet, Michel Barnier was the first to mention the renunciation of Benedict XVI. On February 7, 2013, while he was European Commissioner, the Savoyard was received in private audience by Pope Benedict XVI in the company of Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who would later become German Defense Minister and President of the CDU.
That day, Michel Barnier left the meeting with a funny feeling. During the lunch that followed, at the French embassy, he opened up to the French cardinals and to the French ambassador to the Holy See, Bruno Joubert: “The pope is tired. Could he resign? »
Stupor around the table. The question is almost blasphemous. We do not know if the cardinals cross themselves in front of such audacity. In any case, all this fine ecclesiastical linen protests and assures us that it is obviously impossible. Four days later, Benedict XVI renounces his pontificate after eight years of exercise. “In recent months, I felt that my strength had diminished and I asked God to enlighten me to make the right decision for the good of the Church. Thank you for the respect and understanding, ”he explained then.
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Barnier’s incredible instinct which has also been confirmed on other occasions. As the government of Édouard Philippe was formed, he visited Sylvie Goulard in her office at the Ministry of the Armed Forces. When he comes out, Barnier confides to those close to him: “She is not going to stay. She is lost in this oversized office. Something is wrong. In fact, Sylvie Goulard resigned a few days later. Unfortunately, Michel Barnier does not have this gift of premonition when it comes to his own political affairs…