Archbishop Gänswein says in interview that he was reconciled with Pope Francis but still there is a new atmosphere in Rome under Pope Leo

 Gänswein: New atmosphere in Rome under Pope Leo XIV.

In an interview with EWTN, the archbishop discusses his encounters with the new Pontiff and his reconciliation with Francis, as well as his diplomatic role in the Baltics.

The Archbishop is smiling again

Archbishop Georg Gänswein has given an initial assessment of his work as Apostolic Nuncio to the Baltic States and also commented on the changes in the Vatican since Pope Leo XIV took office.

In an interview with the Catholic broadcaster EWTN on Friday, Gänswein explained that a new mood had already been palpable at the international nuncios' meeting in Rome: "It is a kind of peaceful atmosphere and also an atmosphere that is welcoming." Other participants had also independently confirmed this impression. The new pope, Gänswein continued, left a positive impression with his demeanor: "The first impression was surprising and very positive. Not only because he wore the stole and the mozzetta again, but simply the way he presented himself."

A complete reconciliation

Another topic of the conversation was Gänswein's relationship with Pope Francis. He contradicted the media's portrayal of a rift: "There were certain difficulties, certain tensions, but they were already resolved in January 2024." His appointment as Nuncio in June 2024 and a first audience the following November deepened the reconciliation. "I was also able to say my prayers for him at Pope Francis's tomb. And that completed the reconciliation," the archbishop said.

The 68-year-old described his diplomatic role as two-pronged: On the one hand, he represents the Holy See to the government, and on the other, the Pope to the local churches. A good Vatican diplomat not only requires restraint, observation, and a willingness to talk, but also "doesn't speak very much in public." The Catholic Church has a strong presence in the Baltic countries, even where it is a numerically minority.

"It doesn't bother me in the slightest."

When asked about the war in Ukraine, Gänswein emphasized the atmospheric proximity to the events: "There is an atmospheric presence of war." The Church, he said, can provide hope through its presence, not only to Catholics, but also to others. Regarding ecumenism, he stated: "A healthy ecumenism is possible with the communities from the Reformation; with the Orthodox churches, it is very, very difficult at the moment."

Despite his new diplomatic role, Pope Benedict's legacy remains central to Gänswein: "We must not allow this great gift to go to waste." He does not consider the fact that he will be associated with Benedict throughout his life a burden: "It doesn't bother me in any way."

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