UCA News
Contribute

Pope Benedict XVI 'extremely frail': report

Former pontiff has a virus that causes severe pain and a facial rash
Pope Benedict XVI 'extremely frail': report

Pope Benedict XVI at the airport in Munich, Germany, on June 22 after visiting his brother. (Photo: AFP)

Published: August 03, 2020 10:27 AM GMT
Updated: August 03, 2020 10:27 AM GMT

Former Pope Benedict XVI is seriously ill after visiting his sick brother in Germany in June, according to a report today in Germany’s Passauer Neue Presse newspaper.

The 93-year-old is "extremely frail" and suffering from erysipelas of the face, a virus that causes a facial rash and episodes of severe pain, it reported.

"His thinking and his memory are quick, but his voice is hardly audible at the moment," the newspaper said, citing the former pope's biographer Peter Seewald.

Seewald reportedly visited Benedict in Rome on Aug. 1 to present him with his biography.

"At the meeting the emeritus pope, despite his illness, was optimistic and declared that if his strength increased again he would possibly take up his pen again," the newspaper said.

Benedict visited his sick brother Georg Ratzinger in Germany in June, marking his first trip out of Italy since his shock resignation in 2013. Georg died just two weeks later, aged 96.

Benedict, whose original name is Joseph Ratzinger, now lives in a small former monastery inside the Vatican.

He has largely stayed out of the public eye since he became the first pope in 600 years to resign, citing health reasons.

A traditionalist in the Catholic Church, he was replaced by the reformist Pope Francis.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia