Pope-emeritus Benedict reported quiet, serene after resignation

March 01, 2013

Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI spent his first evening of retirement quietly, praying and listening to music, a Vatican spokesman told reporters.

Father Federico Lombardi said that the former Pope had watched several televised news programs about his resignation, and commented favorably on them. He retired early and slept well, Father Lombardi said.

The Vatican spokesman said that Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the private secretary to Benedict XVI, reported that the former Pontiff rose early on Thursday, celebrated Mass, and prayed the Divine Office. He planned to walk through the gardens of the apostolic palace in Castel Gandolfo in the afternoon while reciting the Rosary.

Benedict XVI has brought a number of books with him to the papal summer residence, with a heavy emphasis on theology. He is currently reading a work by Hans Urs von Balthasar.

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI Is Well: Reading, Listening to Music, and Praying (VIS)