Pope-emeritus Benedict in rapid physical decline? Vatican denies report

April 10, 2013

The physical health of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI is rapidly deteriorating, according to a Spanish reporter. The Vatican has denied the report.

Paloma Gomez Borrero of El Mundo said that Benedict is suffering from “something very serious.” The Spanish journalist did not name any specific disease, or cite any evidence aside from the frailty that was evident to observers when Benedict met with Pope Francis at Castel Gandolfo on March 23.

Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, denied that the former Pope is suffering from any particular illness. His physical ailments, Father Lombardi said, are “those connected with age.”

Pope-emeritus Benedict has lost a significant amount of weight in recent weeks. He walks with increasing difficulty, reportedly has nearly lost vision in one eye, and has a history of cardiac problems. Nevertheless the Vatican has said that Benedict does not have any immediate life-threatening illness. He plans to move into his new residence inside the Vatican in May.

 

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Further information:

• Fears for the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Daily Telegraph)
• 'Benedicto XVI tiene algo muy grave. Ha sufrido un deterioro tremendo' (El Mundo)
• Vatican Denies Report That Benedict Has Serious Illness (National Catholic Register)
• Pope Francis, Benedict XVI embrace at Castel Gandolfo (CWN, 3/25)