Catholic Fire

August 20, 2013.(Romereports.com) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI traveled to Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, where he spent the afternoon strolling through the gardens of the villa where he spent the hot summer months in the past eight years.   According to Italian news agency ANSA, Benedict XVI spent Sunday afternoon at Castel Gandolfo, joined by the 'memores domini,' the four consecrated women that have cared for him for several years. He used that time to pray the Rosary at the gardens, and even enjoyed a brief piano concert. The visit lasted approximately three hours, and then he returned to the Vatican. Before the start of the summer, Pope Francis invited Benedict XVI to take refuge from the Roman heat at Castel Gandolfo, but the Pope emeritus declined, and opted instead to remain inside the Vatican.

June 25, 2013. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI is “relaxed. He has a good memory and his eyes are bright and cheerful.” These were the words of father Stephan Otto Horn, president of the Ratzinger Alumni Association who visited the Pope Emeritus early in June. According to his former student, Benedict XVI wants to spend his summer at the Vatican. He also suggested that his successor, Pope Francis spend a few days at Castel Gandolfo, to bear the summer heat.  Pope Francis has offered Benedict XVI, full access to the Pope's summer residence in the town of Castel Gandolfo. The Latin American Pope is scheduled to visit the town of Castel Gandolfo on July 14th, where he will lead the Angelus prayer. According to Stephan Horn, Benedict XVI thinks Pope Francis should celebrate the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th, where a Mass is traditionally celebrated in the nearby parish. Benedict XVI has parted ways with public life and is not scheduled to take part in any of the usual ...

February 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Vatican spokesperson, Father Federico Lombardi, confirmed that the papal secretary, Msgr. Georg Gaenswein, will follow Benedict XVI when he withdraws to Castel Gandolfo. He will then move to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican, along with the housekeeping staff that tended to the Pope in the last seven years. Georg Gaenwein will remain prefect of the Pontifical Household, and will organize the schedule for the new Pope, however he has no decision making authority in the process. FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican Spokesperson  “Msgr. Georg Gaenswein will travel along with the Pope to Castel Gandolfo and the monastery, and will continue to assist him personally, and also the Memores Domini.” About the start of the conclave, Lombardi doesn't expect it to begin during the first half of March. According to Canon Law, it must begin 15 to 20 days after the start of the Sede Vacante period. FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican Spok...