Posted on 04/16/2020 5:41:37 PM PDT by marshmallow
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his 93rd birthday on Thursday at his Vatican residence during Italy’s coronavirus lockdown.
The retired pope, who lives in the Mater Ecclesia monastery on Vatican grounds, did not have any visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein.
Ganswein told Vatican News on April 16 that Benedict had received many emails, letters, and phone calls wishing him a happy birthday, including from his older brother Georg Ratzinger.
Benedict XVI’s quiet birthday began with Mass in the monastery chapel, and included prayer and reading, Ganswein said. Benedict also listened to some traditional songs from his homeland of Bavaria.
Ganswein said the pope emeritus is keeping informed on the coronavirus pandemic and prays daily for the sick and suffering.
“He was also particularly struck by the many priests, doctors, and nurses who have died, especially in north Italy, in carrying out their service to coronavirus patients,” the secretary said.
He added that Benedict XVI “participates in this sorrow” and follows it “with concern,” but “does not let himself be robbed of hope.”
On his birthday, Benedict was gifted a copy of a new book on his life, written by German journalist Peter Seewald. Volume one of “Benedict XVI: The Biography” will be published in German May 4 and in English toward the end of 2020.
Ganswein said Seewald had intended to give the copy of the authorized biography to the pope emeritus personally but was prevented by the current pandemic situation.
Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy in 2013, citing advanced age and declining strength that made it difficult to carry out his ministry. He was the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicherald.co.uk ...
The TRUE Pope!
Thanks for giving us Satan in your place Benny! Surpirsed when you too the job you didnt understand it was for life!
I hope he outlives Satan’s pope
Yes, we miss him.
I pray for Pope Benedict, and his family every day. He is my true Pope, not the pretender.
What a flipping abominable mess the RCC is in. How the mighty have fallen. Virtually all self-inflicted too.
Wow! He has been in lockdown all that time?
yep - it is so sad.
He became Pope EXACTLY the same way Pope Francis became Pope.
He was ELECTED by the sitting Cardinals at the Vatican.
He was ELECTED by the sitting Cardinals at the Vatican.
He was ELECTED by the sitting Cardinals at the Vatican.
Yes.
No, he wasn't.
Burke: There are "Certainly" Indicators that Francis' Election Could Be Invalid
JPII is still my Pope.
He abandoned his sheep without proper cause.
Prove it.
I don't think it was Benedict who cited these "reasons".
:-(
+1
The decline started in 1963
I agree with your link.
You are right, Jane.
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