Pope marks 82nd birthday

April 16, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his 82nd birthday quietly at this summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, where he is relaxing during Easter Week. The Holy Father was born on April 16, 1927, which was Holy Saturday; he was baptized at the Easter Vigil that same evening. He received birthday greetings from a number of prelates and world leaders, then enjoyed lunch with his older brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger.

During his regular weekly public audience at the Vatican the previous day, April 15, the Pope had been saluted by the crowd in St. Peter's Square, which broke into a premature version of "Happy Birthday" as the Pontiff concluded his remarks. A German band that performed at the papal audience later followed the Pope to Castel Gandolfo, playing a short concert in the courtyard of the apostolic palace that evening.

On Sunday, April 19, Benedict XVI will mark the 4th anniversary of his election as Roman Pontiff.

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI celebrates his 82nd birthday today (VIS)
• Pope celebrates low-key birthday with brother at papal villa (CNS)