Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his 93rd birthday 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 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 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.
The above comes from an April 16 story on the website of the Catholic News Agency.
May God bless and protect Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. May he have more blessed birthdays. I thank him for the many great books he has written in which I learned a lot about the faith, and thank you to him for encouraging the Extraordinary Mass and more reverence in the ordinary Mass.
And, and oh yes, thank you for wearing that “controversial” white fur piece that so reminded me of St. Nicholas. There was no controversy for me. And thank you for wearing those “silly” red shoes that were to remind him that he should be willing to die for the Church. It was a great outfit Pope Benedict.
Correction to third line: “Ordinary Mass”.
I commend Pope Benedict for accepting emeritus status. Does he have the physical strength to perform the duties of the Papal Office? I believe bishops have to offer to retire at age 75. Perhaps there should be an upper age limit of no more than eighty for Popes.