Outside the Beltway

Vatican: Pope Emeritus Benedict’s Health Has Deteriorated

Doug Mataconis · Friday, April 12, 2013 · 3 comments

The reasoning behind now-Pope Emeritus Benedict’s decision to step aside form the papacy is beginning to become clear:

The Telegraph - although it is generally agreed Benedict has appeared weaker in recent months.

Spanish journalist Ms Borerro stands by her claims, saying: ‘Benedict is in a very bad way.

‘In the last 15 days he has undergone a tremendous physical deterioration.’

There has been some speculation that Benedict chose to resign when he did because he would have been physically unable to preside over the jam-packed events that occur in the week between Palm Sunday and Easter.

FILED UNDER: Religion, Vatican

About Doug Mataconis

Doug Mataconis held a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May 2010 and contributed a staggering 16,483 posts before his retirement in January 2020. He passed far too young in July 2021.

Comments

Gustopher says:

Friday, 12 April 2013 at 14:55

I hope he stays with us long enough to see the church step away from its obsession with sex, and focus on poverty.

Probably just wishful thinking that that would ever happen though.
PJ says:

Friday, 12 April 2013 at 18:23

There has been some speculation that Benedict chose to resign when he did because he would have been physically unable to preside over the jam-packed events that occur in the week between Palm Sunday and Easter.

Or he wanted to be able to influence who his successor would be.
Doug Mataconis says:

Friday, 12 April 2013 at 18:29

@PJ:

There’s no evidence that happened