Pope Francis has disclosed details about the political tactics employed during the papal elections of both Pope Benedict XVI and his own election in a recent book-length interview. In the book, titled 'Pope Francis, Successor: My Memories of Pope Benedict XVI,' the pontiff reflects on his relationship with his predecessor and addresses certain issues with Benedict's longtime aide.
During the 2005 conclave that elected Benedict, Francis revealed that he was used by cardinals who aimed to block Benedict's election by swaying votes in favor of a compromise candidate. Similarly, in the 2013 election where he was elected, Francis shared that he only realized he might become pope when cardinals began showing support for him.
