Today Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who had been staying at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo since February 28th when he resigned the papacy and pledged his reverence and obedience to whoever the cardinals would elect to succeed him as Supreme Pontiff, returned to the Vatican to stay at his new residence, the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. Benedict XVI was formally welcomed at the Vatican heliport by Cardinal Bertone (Secretary of State and Camerlengo), Cardinal Bertello (President of the Vatican City Governorate), Cardinal Sodano (Dean of the College of Cardinals) as well as some other bishops.

Pope Francis welcomed Benedict XVI at the entrance to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Francis and Benedict went then went to the monastery chapel and prayed. Benedict XVI will be living in this renovated monastery, along with Archbishop Georg Ganswein (his secretary and also currently the Prefect of the Papal Household), and the four consecrated women who do the housekeeping and prepare meals. The monastery also has a guest room available, for when Benedict's older brother, Mons. Georg Ratzinger visits. The Monastery includes a small library and a study for Benedict to use.

For anyone who's interested, since today is Tuesday, the show "The Thought of Benedict XVI" will be showing on EWTN (in the U.S. at least), at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (10:00 Central). If you don't get EWTN on your tv you could watch the show on www.ewtn.com

JoeRatz16

I know this thread is a bit old, but I figured I would have to state that my quoted post was wrong.

For anyone who's interested, since today is Tuesday, the show "The Thought of Benedict XVI" will be showing on EWTN (in the U.S. at least), at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (10:00 Central). If you don't get EWTN on your tv you could watch the show on www.ewtn.com

the thought just popped into my head less than an hour ago: his birthday is on the 16th and his papal name is Benedict XVI.

[QUOTE="lonewolf604"][QUOTE="The-Apostle"] Erm... WBC is so far outside what true Christians believe it's not funny.jimkabrhel

They very well could, but that doesn't mean they can be considered true Christians. In my view, Christians are faithful, kind, generous people who help, rather than seek attention, and espouse violence against those who are different.

Also, April 19 marks the 8th anniversary of Benedict's election as Pope, but since he is no longer the pope the anniversary will probably not be observed. Last year around this time the Vatican had set up a special e-mail account for people to e-mail their "auguri" (best wishes) to Benedict XVI on the occasion of the 7th anniversary of his election to the papacy, which came just 3 days after his 85th birthday (I think the account may have been up before his birthday so people could've also wished him a happy anniversary).

8 years ago today, Benedict XVI visited the White House on his 81st birthday. President Bush welcomed him.

Here is the cake: (the photo is linked)

woo hoo Birthday! First time in a very long time that any one has celebrated a Pope Emeritus' birthday. ferrari2001

Awesome good for him, Happy Birthday.

I don't see this thread exactly picking up any happy users however.

WiiMan21

So today is Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's 86th birthday. Pope Francis began the celebration of Mass in the chapel by stating "Today is the birthday of Benedict XVI. Let us offer Mass for him, that the Lord might be with him, comfort him, and give him much consolation. Francis later called up Benedict on the phone to offer his best wishes and also greeted Monsignor Georg Ratzinger (Benedict XVI's older brother) who was with Benedict at Castel Gandolfo to celebrate Benedict's birthday.

The German embassy to the Holy See is celebrating by unveiling a painting of Benedict made by the artist Michael Triegel. Triegel is also known as "Paptsmaler" which means "Pope-painter", and has previously painted another portrait of Benedict XVI which is located at the Institute Benedict XVI in Regensburg, Germany.