Mission
Hot Topics
PHOTO GALLERY: Jesus’ crown of thorns returns to Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral
UK: the King attends Advent service celebrating faith communities
Bold step in Belgium: laywoman to be named in Mass canon at Masses in the capital city
The 10 Commandments to go to auction in New York: up to $2 million expected in the fight
This is the priest (and the story) in which a miracle was worked that will make Pier Giorgio Frassati a saint
Pope Francis reveals two attacks against him that ended with the death of perpetrators
The “Mystery” of the LGBT Pilgrimage in the Jubilee 2025: A Polemic Between Inclusivity and Controversy
Cautious Hope Emerges Among Christians in Syria Amid Transition
Pope Francis Emphasizes Unity and Shared Mission During Meeting with Methodists
Cardinal of Chicago asks not to kneel at communion: these are “his” reasons
Día

abril 16th, 2015

Pope Francis today offered this morning's Mass at Casa Santa Marta for his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who celebrates his 88th birthday today.

"I would like to remind that today is Pope Benedict XVI's birthday. I have offered the Mass for him and I also invite you to pray for him, so that the Lord may sustain him and give him much joy and happiness," the Holy Father said this morning.  

According to Vatican Radio, the Pontiff Emeritus will quietly celebrate his birthday at Mater Ecclesiae monastery at the Vatican, where he lives a life of prayer and reflection following his resignation from the papacy.

Pope Francis has made no secret of his love and admiration for his predecessor, who he has likened to a "wise grandfather".

“It’s like having your grandfather in the house, a wise grandfather. Pope Benedict is a man of great prudence.  He doesn’t interfere!  I have often told him so: 'Holiness, receive guests, lead your own life, come along with us,'" Francis said in a press conference on his return flight from Brazil in 2013.