In the final years of his life, Pope Benedict XVI reportedly prioritized the preservation of his theological and intellectual legacy. Observers note that while the Vatican faced significant internal administrative and political challenges, Benedict maintained a posture of detachment from these power struggles.

Der Spiegel reports that Benedict’s focus remained on his writings and his historical standing within the Church, effectively distancing himself from the controversies that defined his successor's tenure and the broader governance of the Holy See. While some supporters view this as a necessary withdrawal to preserve the dignity of the papacy, critics argue that his silence on internal Vatican conflicts left unresolved issues to fester. The extent to which Benedict was aware of or capable of influencing these power dynamics remains a subject of debate among Vatican analysts. Ultimately, the narrative surrounding his later years is split between those who see a scholar seeking peace and those who see a leader who chose to ignore the institutional instability surrounding him.