Society

How Pope Benedict XVI lives outside the Vatican

Those who have seen Benedict XVI after leaving the Vatican claim that the former pontiff looks refreshed and rested, leaving politics in the past and fully devoting himself to prayers and playing the piano. The Vatican authorities say that Benedict does not even think of returning to the world stage.

Before permanently relinquishing the title of head of the Holy See, the former Pope declared that he was going to lead a modest and even reclusive lifestyle. Since he addressed all believers with his farewell speech, Benedict only got into the lenses of journalists' cameras twice: when he went to the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo and when he visited his brother Georg in one of the Roman hospitals .

A year after his voluntary departure from the throne of the Holy See, the former pontiff Benedict only once truly recalled himself.

He wrote a letter to an Italian with atheistic views, Piergiorgio Odifreddi, in response to his publication criticizing the Catholic Church.

“I live like a monk,” the former head of the Catholic Church told reporters about his being. “I pray and read. And I feel good. ”

Approximates of Benedict XVI claim that in ordinary worldly life the pontiff likes to listen to music and play the piano, and German cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller told the media that the 86-year-old Pope is seriously thinking about writing an autobiography.

The former head of the Holy See is not alone. Most of the time, his 90-year-old brother visits, and sometimes his friends visit Benedict. The former Pope and the current representative of the Catholic Church have developed very pleasant and friendly relations, despite the fact that Benedict admits that he does not always approve of the actions of his follower. The former Argentinean cardinal occasionally mentions the name of the former pontiff in his speeches, and sometimes calls him on the phone.

Several times Francis met with his predecessor at breakfast. “It's like a trip to grandfather,” Pope Francis admitted to reporters after meeting with Benedict. “Sometimes I feel the need to ask him for advice.”

However, the new head of the Holy See never mentioned the name of the previous Pope when speaking about the scandals into which the latter was drawn. We are talking about the recently surfaced issue of pedophilia and child abuse, which are accused of the clergy of the church.

Only a year later it became known that the former pontiff freed from the rank of more than 400 priests, bishops and even cardinals, who were somehow accused of pedophilia.

The Vatican press service says Pope Francis has brought “new ideas and perspectives” to reform the church with his arrival. So, for example, he stands for its maximum openness and selflessness. The pontiff himself set an excellent example more than once. He refused the benefits intended for him by status, washed the feet of Muslim women, and also insisted that gays should not be blamed for their non-traditional orientation.

Watch the video: Pope Benedict XVI Departs From the Vatican (March 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Society, Next Article

Royal Palace in Naples
Naples

Royal Palace in Naples

The Royal Palace in Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli) is a striking building, built as a residence for the royal family of the Bourbon dynasty (Borbone), who headed the Kingdom of Naples (Kingdom of both Sicilies) (Regno delle Due Sicilie). History of construction and reconstruction The construction of the palace near the Cathedral of St. Francis of Paopa (Basilica dei Santi Francesco di Paolo) near Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples has been carried out since 1600 for more than half a century.
Read More
Naples Attractions
Naples

Naples Attractions

Naples (in translation from ancient Greek - a new city) - a city in southern Italy, located on the shores of the Gulf of Tyrrhenian Sea of ​​the same name. Naples is the administrative center of the Campania region and is the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan. The population of the city is about a million, and together with the suburbs - 3 million people.
Read More
Naples Toledo metro station - the most beautiful in Europe
Naples

Naples Toledo metro station - the most beautiful in Europe

The American news agency CNN has published a rating of the most beautiful subway stations in Europe. According to an authoritative publication, the most amazing and original platform in the metro is located in the Italian city of Naples and is called “Toledo”. Another world-famous newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, approved the choice of its American counterparts.
Read More
Holidays on the island of Ischia
Naples

Holidays on the island of Ischia

Ischia is an island of volcanic origin in the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west coast of Italy, in the northern part of the Gulf of Naples. Ischia is part of the Campania region. The area of ​​the island is 46.3 km2, population - 62,000 people. Ischia is located 40 km from Naples, it is the largest island in the bay. Along with the island of Capri, located 30 kilometers away, it is one of the most fashionable and beautiful Italian islands for relaxation.
Read More