I think it is clumsy. But it is good that he wants to free himself from the attacks suffered by stating, in my opinion in a very unconvincing way, the interpretation given to his actions.
As if to think that he will not get into a similar mess again, susceptible to interpretations so contrary to what he says was his will. According to him, so badly interpreted. Well, he is old enough to realize the consequences of his actions.
If he did not want at all to do what it seemed, he may save himself from the imputation of being a cardinal contrary to the doctrine of the Church but not from the characterization of a fool with a dunce cap, which in a cardinal is also no reason for praise.