Retired Pope Benedict defends priestly celibacy in new book, suggesting rift with Francis

Vatican City • Former Pope Benedict XVI, who once vowed to remain hidden from the world after resigning, is once more speaking out. In a new book, set for release in February, the retired pontiff champions priestly celibacy at a time when his successor, Pope Francis, is considering allowing more married men to be priests.His remarks raise concerns that the two popes are at odds. “I can no longer be silent or feign ignorance,” the emeritus pope said in the forward of the book, &l