Benedict XVI never thought he would live so long and apologized for being “a weight”

The emeritus pope Benedict XVIwho passed away today at the age of 95, never thought that he would live almost a decade after his resignation in 2013 and spent his last years asking forgiveness for “being a burden” to the four consecrated lay women of the “Memores Domini” institute who have cared for him for all this time.

SIGHT: Benedict XVI died at the age of 95, the Pope who shook the world with his resignation

In recent months, he continued to express his desire to “go to his father’s house”, explain sources close to the four “Memores Domini” who have not separated from him until the last moment, taking turns, 24 hours a day.

When his state of health was already very fragile, he continually apologized to these women because he said “it was a burden for them” and he always said that “he did not intend to last more than 4 or 5 years” after the announcement of his resignation in February 2013, precisely because “he did not feel strong” to continue his pontificate.

In recent days, the Vatican press office explained that Benedict XVI participated in the masses and this is confirmed by those close to him, assuring that “although he was no longer breathing well, he raised his arms at the appropriate moments of the celebration.”

Add those who knew him closely “that he was always a very serene person” and that he only lost his serenity with the Vatileaks case, the leak of documents by his butler Paolo Gabriele. “The devil has entered this house,” Benedict XVI confessed to those around him.

Also, they explain, he lived with “silence” and “reflection” the moment after his resignation and the election of the new pope. “Only with the election of Francisco did he remain calm,” they add.

With the simplicity with which he lived apart in the “Mater Eclessiae” monastery, where he lived for the last 10 years in the Vatican gardens, that is how he has asked that his funerals be.

It will be Pope Francis who will officiate the funeral for the emeritus pontiff, on January 5, at 9:30 a.m. (8:30 GMT), in St. Peter’s Square, reported Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

According to Bruni, Benedict XVI left as his last wish that his funeral be “as simple as possible. Solemn but sober.”

He also explained that at the time of his death Benedict XVI was with his faithful secretary, Monsignor George Ganswein, and with the four women.

Bruni also revealed that the pope emeritus received the sacrament of extreme unction last Wednesday, December 28, when his health conditions were already serious.

The funeral chapel of Benedict XVI will take place from this Monday, January 2, in the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican and the body will remain for a last farewell to the faithful until January 4.

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.