Vatican denies Pope Benedict XVI resigned after being presented with a dossier of a network of blackmailed priests

The Vatican has criticized the media for reporting “misinformation” about the Catholic Church in many of Pope Benedict XVI resignation articles.

Vatican’s chief spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said some were trying to profit from a time of disorientation in the Catholic Church to spread “gossip” and “calumny”.

Federico Lombardi made the comments on Vatican radio.

Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, the first by a pope in nearly 600 years, takes effect on Thursday, February 28. His decision surprised many within the Church.

There have been recent articles in the Italian and international media of intrigue, and corruption in the Church.

One unconfirmed report suggested Pope Benedict had resigned after being presented with a dossier detailing a network of priests who were being blackmailed.

But the Vatican spokesman said those who were putting themselves in a position of judgement had no authority to do so.

“Whoever has money, sex and power at the forefront of the mind sees the world through these parameters and cannot see beyond these even when looking at the Church,” he said.

“Their view cannot look to the heights or go in-depth to understand the spiritual dimensions and motivations of existence,” he added.