Pope Benedict XVI lives in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City. Pope Francis went to visit him after the General Audience as the Pope emeritus' health condition has worsened.
In the monastery, four members of the Memores Domini association take care of Pope Benedict XVI. They are laywomen, who do not take vows nor do they wear habits. They do, however, live committed to chastity, obedience and community.
These women are also in charge of some of the pope emeritus' property, such as his ring and rosary. Natalia Tsarkova, who recently painted a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI and his personal circle, describes how she worked with them for this painting.
NATALIA TSARKOVA
So, I had the honor to have the Pope's ring in my study. I had also wanted the rosary to study it properly. But Carmela told me: this rosary is always is with the Holy Father. So how could I ask for it? It was not possible because it's part of Holy Father.
Another person close to the Pope emeritus is his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein. He celebrates Mass with Pope Benedict XVI and often reads communiqués or letters on his behalf. Archbishop Gänswein is also the prefect of the Pontifical Household.
Now, with Pope Benedict XVI's health situation, his personal physician will also be with him.
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TR: KG
