The Vatican claimed that Gänswein’s absence from Francis’ private and public audiences for the past several weeks was “due to an ordinary redistribution of the various commitments and duties of the prefect of the Papal Household."

Yeah, right!

According to the AP, the Vatican’s statement “suggested the Holy See was trying to find an elegant way to justify Gänswein's unofficial removal from Francis’ team by saying he was dedicating himself more full-time to Benedict's needs.”

REMNANT COMMENT: Just another day in the pontifical house of the rising sun.

What’s really going on here? Who knows? Maybe Benedict’s jailor was spending too much doggone time away from the prisoner, whose role seems to be that of witness for the defense of the most ridiculous pontificate in the history of the papacy.

Anyway, the real bad news for Gorgeous George is that he may have to sit out the next circus or two, just to make sure Cardinal Sarah isn’t sneaking into Benedict’s room to dash off another book in defense of Catholic doctrine.

Speaking of circuses, all this pontificate is missing is the bearded lady.