Benedict XVI is not ill, but will not write again, brother says

August 01, 2013

Msgr. Georg Ratzinger told a German interviewer that his younger brother, Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, experienced “great relief” when he resigned.

The former Pontiff has “no acute illness,” Msgr. Ratzinger said. But he realized that he could no longer work a full schedule, and believes that a 21st-century Pope “cannot, as used to be possible, simply cut back.”

Msgr. Ratzinger also said that his brother, a prolific author, does not intend to write any more. He revealed that the former Pope was not very well acquainted with Pope Francis prior to his election, but now “appreciates him very much.”

 

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Further information:

• Georg Ratzinger on his brother’s resignation – “It was a liberation” (Ratzinger Forum)