Benedict XVI goes to Regensburg to visit his sick brother

ROME - Thursday Benedict XVI made his first trip out of Italy after his retirement, headed for Regensburg, Germany, where he is visiting his older brother, Mgr. Georg Ratzinger, 96 years old, who reportedly is seriously ill.

Benedetto, who retired from the papacy in February 2013 and is known for having a close relationship with his brother, left his residence in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican on Thursday morning.

After being welcomed by Pope Francis, he left at 10 by plane with his personal secretary, the German archbishop Georg Ganswein, as well as the deputy commander of the Vatican gendarmes, a small group of health workers and one of the consecrated women who works at the his family in the Vatican.

According to the German newspaper Die Tagespost, Ratzinger's health has recently deteriorated.

Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, president of the German Bishops' Conference, welcomed the news of Benedict's return to his homeland "with joy and respect", saying that he is pleased that "he, who had been a member of our conference for some years, he returned home, even if the occasion is sad. "

Bätzing wishes Benedict a good stay in Germany and "the peace and quiet necessary to take care of his brother privately".

When Benedetto arrived in Regensburg on Thursday morning, he was greeted by Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer at the airport.

"The diocese of Regensburg asks the public to leave this deeply personal meeting in a private environment," said the diocese in a statement, adding that this was the "sincere desire of the two elderly brothers".

The diocese has declared that there will be no photos, public appearances or other meetings.

"It could be the last time the two brothers, Georg and Joseph Ratzinger, have seen each other in this world," said the statement, adding that those who wish to express their sympathy "are cordially invited to say a silent prayer for the two brothers."

Speaking to the Vatican news, the spokesman Matteo Bruni said that Benedetto will spend "the necessary time" with his brother. No date has been set for Benedict's return to the Vatican.

The Ratzinger brothers are known to be close, with Georg visiting the Vatican often even after Benedict's retirement.

In 2008, when the small Italian town of Castel Gandolfo, which houses the papal summer residence, wished to extend honorary citizenship to Georg Ratzinger, Benedict XVI said that since his birth, his older brother "has not been just a companion to me, but also a reliable guide. "

"He has always represented a point of reference with the clarity and determination of his decisions," said Benedetto.