February 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI broke barriers by
announcing his resignation. After saying goodbye in Latin, came surprise and emotion, but it was clear his decision had been
carefully thought out for some time now. Several moments in the past few months allowed insight into the
loss of his physical strength. On November 13, 2012 Benedict XVI visited the
“Long Live the Elderly” Nursing Home, run by the Community of St. Edigio in Rome. During his brief remarks, he talked openly about his age.
BENEDICT XVI
“I come as Bishop of Rome, but also as an elderly person visiting his peers. I well know the difficulties and limitations of age.”
The Pope wrote an emotional message for the XXI World Day of the Sick, which is celebrated on February 11, the day he announced his resignation. He asked Christians to see the face of Christ in the sick and that he now feels especially close to each one of them, referring to the sick.
The World Day of the Sick takes place on the same day as the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a Marian apparition widely venerated by Benedict XVI.
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