Benedict XVI: this is how he has been preparing for the day of his death - Religion - Life

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 95 years old, is in a very delicate state of health.

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who was the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013, released a letter on February 8, 2022, in which he confessed that he is ready for the day death knocks on the door of his house.

(Besides: Our Father: the biblical prayer to talk to God).

“Soon I will face the definitive judge of my life,” he mentioned in said postcard, in which he also defends himself against the accusations against him due to an alleged mishandling of abuses committed within the Church while he was Archbishop of MunichGermany, between 1977 and 1982.

“Although I may have many reasons for fear and fear as I look back on my long life, I am glad, because I firmly believe that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who has already suffered my shortcomings himself. and he is, therefore, as a judge, also my lawyer -added Benedict XVI-. In view of the hour of judgment, the grace of being a Christian becomes evident to me. Being a Christian gives me knowledge and, even more, friendship with the judge of my life and allows me to cross the dark door of death with confidence.

«In the fight for the family, the man himself is at stake. And it becomes clear that when God is denied, the dignity of man is also dissolved. Whoever defends God, defends man.

Joseph Ratzinger – Benedict XVI. pic.twitter.com/qJ5NO73w4p

— Fr. Juan Manuel Góngora (@patergongora) December 29, 2022

(You may be interested in: Did the Star of Bethlehem exist? This says science).

Recently, the delicate state of health of the former Supreme Pontiff of German origin made news worldwide; This is mainly due to the fact that Pope Francis asked all believers in the world to pray for him and his recovery.

“I would like to ask everyone for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who silently supports the Church,” said the current pope.

(Also read: Why Jesus succeeded and other messiahs of his time fell by the wayside).

Benedict XVI surprised the entire world when, On February 11, 2013, the Vatican announced that the then pope decided to voluntarily resign from his position as the highest authority of the Catholic Church at the age of 85., thus becoming the second Supreme Pontiff to retire under these conditions. The only recorded precedent is that of Celestine V, who resigned in the year 1294.

Now that the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is nearing its end. I share my favorite photo of him, in which he looks like a sinister exorcist. He also dared to order an investigation of the Legionaries of Christ, after allegations of sexual abuse. Then they gave it up. pic.twitter.com/g1dFiEbxTa

— Rafa Tells You ✍???? (@Radark__) December 29, 2022

His departure from office became official on February 28, 2013, the day he moved to live in Castel Gandolfo while the post of pope was vacant.

With the arrival of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, José Mario Bergoglio, as the new head of the Church, Benedict XVI moved to the old Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, in the Vatican gardens, together with his secretary Georg Gänswein. Since then he has dedicated himself to prayer, reading and spiritual retreat.