Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI turns 95 this Saturday. He remains as lucid as ever, although age has physically taken a toll on him.
These last few years have been difficult for the Pope Emeritus. In 2020, his brother died and in early 2022, he was accused of mishandling four abuse cases when he was the archbishop of Munich.
He wrote a letter responding to the allegations that was published by his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein. In it, he expressed his 'deep shame' and 'a sincere request for forgiveness' to the victims of sexual abuse.
In 2021, Pope Benedict XVI received a special surprise to celebrate his 70 years of priesthood. His late brother's choir students sang for him at the Vatican in a very moving ceremony.
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TR: KG
