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On January 14, Pope Emeritus Bene­dict XVI asked not to be mentioned as co­author of a book scheduled for release in February, according to a close aide. Excerpts from the book appeared to place the ex-pope at odds with Pope Francis on rules over priestly celibacy.

The book in question, From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy, and the Crisis of the Catholic Church, was publicized as being coauthored by Benedict with Cardinal Robert Sarah, who heads the Vatican office for liturgy.

When Pope Francis announced on December 17 that he had abolished pontifical secrecy for cases of clerical sexual abuse, some observers compared the move to a regime opening its secret files, bringing to light years of testimony and documents.

The new protocol will transform legal proceedings and the lives of abuse survivors, those accused of abusing them, and bishops in charge of exercising oversight.