Benedict XVI has no regrets about resignation, private secretary reports
February 12, 2015
Two years after he announced his resignation, Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI remains mentally alert and has no regrets about his decision, his private secretary reports.
Archbishop Georg Gänswein told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera that the retired Pontiff “has chosen a monastic life,” making public appearances only when he is invited by Pope Francis. Apart from his routine of prayer, reading, and correspondence, Benedict has been playing the piano more frequently, the archbishop says: “Mozart especially, but also other compositions that come to mind at the moment; he plays from memory.”
Archbishop Gänswein dismissed rumors that Pope Benedict was pressured to resign. Those rumors, he said, are based on pure conjecture, with no supporting facts. In reality, he says, the former Pope is “serene” in retirement; he is certain that he made the right choice, convinced that the Church needed a stronger leader.
Benedict XVI, who is now 87 years old, remains in fairly good condition, his aide said. The former Pontiff sometimes has difficulty walking because of problems with his legs, but otherwise has no major health problems.
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Posted by: Gil125 -
Feb. 16, 2015 3:11 PM ET USA
He may not regret his resignation, but some of us do.
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Posted by: filioque -
Feb. 12, 2015 10:59 PM ET USA
Oh, how I miss Benedict XVI! But I don't think he would have lasted long if he had stayed in the Petrine Office; he looked terribly strained. And he alone knew how much Cardinal Ratzinger had held things together for Papa Wojtyla. For Papa Ratzinger, there was no Card. Ratzinger. God bless him!
