After a two-week vacation, Benedict XVI heads back to Rome

Last updated on: July 14, 2015 at 6:09 pm by CNA Daily News

After a two-week vacation, Benedict XVI heads back to Rome 2015-07-14T18:09:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Jul 14, 2015 / 12:09 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- With two restful weeks outside of the Vatican behind him and two honorary doctorates in hand, Benedict XVI has again returned to Rome, where he has a rare public event set for the summer.

“Holiness, thank you very much for your unexpected and most welcome words, for the blessing that you have given to Castel Gandolfo and its inhabitants,” mayor Milvia Monachesi told the retired Pope as he left the city July 14.

In addition to expressing her gratitude for the special blessing Benedict gave to the city and all who live in it, Monachesi also thanked him for a book he had given to her, reported Italian agency Castelli News.

“We are happy that you have received our silent closeness, full of love and our great excitement for your presence,” she said, adding that his blessing “was for us a great gift and the confirmation of a deep and lasting bond.”

She wished him a good trip back to Rome, and assured the former pontiff that “wherever you will be you will not ever lack our prayer and affection.”

Benedict left for a two week stay in the small Italian city Castel Gandolfo June 30, and returned July 14.

The city, which lies about 15 miles southeast of Rome, has not been officially used as a papal residence since Benedict XVI – who now goes by “Fr. Benedict” – spent just over two months there following his Feb. 28, 2013 resignation. He currently lives in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican Gardens.

While there, Fr. Benedict received two honorary doctorates from both the Pontifical John Paul II University of Krakow and the Krakow Academy of Music.

The university specifically recognized Benedict's “great respect for musical tradition of the Church,” and “special concern for the noble beauty of sacred music and its proper place in the celebration of the sacred liturgical rites of the Church.”

However, Benedict's busy summer isn't over. At the end of August he will also take part in the inauguration of the “Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Roman Library” at the Pontifical Teutonic College, scheduled for Aug. 30.

The Ratzinger Foundation confirmed to CNA that he will first celebrate Mass at the College for this year’s meeting of his former theology students called the “Schulerkreis.” Following Mass, he will take part in an inauguration ceremony at the library.

The library section dedicated to his life and thought is currently in the process of being catalogued. It includes books by or about him and his studies, many donated by Benedict XVI himself.

Vatican

Previous Post

July 14, 2015

Disappointment follows ruling against Little Sisters in mandate case

Next Post

July 14, 2015 Planned Parenthood under fire for alleged trafficking of baby organs

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What bird did Noah release second from the ark?

Select your answer to see how you score.

An eagle A sparrow A dove A raven