Today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his 85th birthday in traditional Bavarian style. In addition to receiving a delegation of Bavarian bishops and government officials who traveled to Rome for the occasion, the German-born Pontiff greeted musicians, singers, and a children’s dance troupe who performed several traditional Bavarian songs and dances.
Catholic News Services’ Carol Glatz has more details in her report about the festivities.
Pope Benedict also spent time with his older brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, including praying with him in the Holy Father’s private chapel.
The Pope celebrated a private Mass for the members of the Bavarian delegation, and spoke in his homily about his experience of growing older: “I find myself on the last stretch of my journey in life, and I don’t know what is awaiting me.”
“I know, however, that the light of God exists, that he is risen, that his light is stronger than any darkness and that God’s goodness is stronger than any evil in this world, and this helps me go forward with certainty.”
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