May 2, 2013, Thursday — “Here one can work well”
When Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, 86, came back to the Vatican today, expected video of the event was not released.
This lead some observers to speculate that Benedict might not be in good physical health and that the Vatican did not want to reveal that.
But now a photo from the Osservatore Romano has been released, showing the first meeting of Benedict with Pope Francis. The photo seems to set aside any worries about the former Pope’s health.
Benedict seems in fine form, aged but healthy, despite the stress of last year’s “Vatileaks” affair and the decision to resign the papacy.
When he first saw his new home today in the Vatican gardens, Benedict said, “The house is comfortable, one can work well here” (“La casa e’ accogliente, qui si puo’ lavorare bene”).
From these words, one has the impression that Benedict intends to study, and perhaps also to write, as well as to pray, in his new home “in the yard (“recinto”) of St. Peter,” where he will live out the rest of his days “hidden from the world.”
If that is the case, it suggests that we may yet expect something more in the future from the mind and spirit of this former Pope, who has over the years offered such a perceptive critique of the temptations, shadows and dangers facing our modern world, and the centrality of Christ in resisting those temptations, and overcoming and dispelling those shadows and dangers, bringing peace, reason and joy.
The two Popes seem genuinely happy to see one another, and one could suspect that they will be in contact in the weeks and months ahead.
In the background, in the doorway, behind Benedict’s head, one can discern the face of Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, Benedict’s personal secretary, who in recent weeks has been the “go between” between Benedict and Francis. His broad smile is an indication that this return of the old Pope to the Vatican is not in any way a problematic matter, but a moment of peace and joy… a welcome homecoming.
New Book on Pope Francis
Entitled Pray for Me: The Life and Spiritual Vision of Pope Francis, First Pope from the Americas, my new book on Pope Francis was released yesterday by Random House.
Pray for Me is geared toward those who would like to accompany Pope Francis on his journey of faith in the months and years ahead.
Here are links where you can order the book:
1. Amazon
If you would like a signed copy of the book, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-789-9494 in the US. Signed copies will be $30 (all shipping and handling included).
“Think nothing else but that God ordains all, and where there is no love, put love, and you will draw love out.” –St. John of the Cross
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