Pope to Anselm Grün: "You are a monk who is not afraid"

Father Anselm Grün (79), Benedictine monk and bestselling author, was received by Pope Francis in a private audience on Monday. "You are a monk who has no fear," the Pope told him, the Franconian monk reported on Cologne's Domradio radio station on Tuesday. Francis thanked him "for helping people with my books". This is very important for people and also for the Church. "He has encouraged me to continue with my work."

The theologian and business economist lives in Münsterschwarzach Abbey near Würzburg. He has written more than 300 books since 1979. In them, Grün mainly deals with spirituality and life coaching. With a total print run in the double-digit millions over 35 years, he is one of the most widely read Christian authors of our time.

"Very exciting" experience

The monk spoke of the audience as a "very exciting" experience. He said he owed it to a couple from one of his courses. They had wanted to give him a present and had written a letter to the Vatican. He then received the invitation by email: "You are cordially invited on Monday at eight o'clock."

The Swiss Guards had already known when they saw him. They had accompanied him to the Apostolic Palace. He waited with other guests in a large hall until he was called. Pope Francis greeted him in his private library with a handshake. "He also stood up, although he clearly has problems getting up." His voice was not as powerful as he was used to. "But he was mentally very present and also very friendly."

The Benedictine said that he felt encouraged by the Pope to "keep asking what message people need today". Francis feels that he, Grün, gives people courage. "Trust and not fear emanates from my books." (KNA)