Benedict XVI celebrates his 93rd birthday

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his 93rd birthday Thursday in his Vatican residence during the coronavirus blockade in Italy.

The retired pope, who lives in the Mater Ecclesia monastery for Vatican reasons, had no visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein.

Ganswein told Vatican News on April 16 that Benedict had received many emails, letters and phone calls that wished him a happy birthday, including his older brother Georg Ratzinger.

Benedict XVI's peaceful birthday began with mass in the monastery chapel and included prayer and reading, said Ganswein. Benedetto also listened to some traditional songs from his native Bavaria.

Ganswein said that the pope emeritus keeps himself informed about the coronavirus pandemic and prays daily for the sick and suffering.

"He was also particularly impressed by many priests, doctors and nurses who died, especially in northern Italy, in carrying out their service to coronavirus patients," said the secretary.

He added that Benedict XVI "participates in this pain" and follows him "with concern", but "does not allow himself to be robbed of hope".

For his birthday, Benedetto was given a copy of a new book on his life, written by the German journalist Peter Seewald. The first volume of "Benedict XVI: the biography" will be published in German on May 4 and in English towards the end of 2020.

Ganswein claimed that Seewald intended to personally deliver the copy of the authorized biography to the pope emeritus, but was prevented by the current pandemic situation.

Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy in 2013, citing the advanced age and declining strength that made it difficult to carry out his ministry. He was the first pope to step down in nearly 600 years.

Since retiring, Benedict's birthday celebrations have included a few years including visits from his brother Georg and Pope Francis.

In a letter published in an Italian newspaper in February 2018, Benedetto said: "I can only say that at the end of a slow decline in physical strength, I am internally on pilgrimage at home".