Former Pope Benedict back in Vatican after German trip to see sick brother
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gestures at the Munich Airport before his departure to Rome, June 22, 2020. Sven Hoppe/Pool via REUTERS
Former Pope Benedict returned to the Vatican on Monday after spending five days in his native Germany to visit his ailing older brother, the Vatican said.
Benedict, 93, was in Regensburg to see his 96-year-old brother Georg Ratzinger, who is also a priest.
Benedict, himself in fragile health, was accompanied by a doctor and a nurse as well as personal assistants.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI speaks to his private secretary Georg Gaenswein at the Munich Airport before his departure to Rome, June 22, 2020. Sven Hoppe/Pool via REUTERS
It was the first time that Benedict has left Italy since 2013, when he became the first Pope to resign in six centuries.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder speaks to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gestures at the Munich Airport before his departure to Rome, June 22, 2020. Sven Hoppe/Pool via REUTERSPope Emeritus Benedict XVI gestures at the Munich Airport before his departure to Rome, June 22, 2020. Sven Hoppe/Pool via REUTERS
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