Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his 93rd birthday Thursday praying for those affected by the coronavirus, his personal secretary Father Georg Gaenswein told Vatican News.
The former pope, who abdicated in 2013, received no visits but many phone calls, including one from his 96-year-old brother Georg, Gaenswein said.
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.
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.
