Benedict XVI .: His visit to Germany ends

The emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. (93, "Hope that holds us: What I believe in") has achieved an energy-draining program since arriving in Regensburg last Thursday (June 18). He visited his seriously ill brother Georg Ratzinger (96) numerous times, also visited the grave of his parents and sister and drove to his former home in Pentling. On Monday (June 22) Benedict XVI ended according to the diocese of Regensburg, make a short visit to Germany and fly back to Rome.

"It is a constructive and moving encounter for the two brothers (…) The pope emeritus is exhausted, but full of joy," says the diocese. Accordingly, the two brothers could have seen each other for the last time.

Visit was "a source of strength"

Dr. Christian Schaller, the deputy head of the Pope Benedict XVI institute, draws a positive balance of his stay despite the efforts for the 93-year-old. "I have the impression that the visit is a source of strength for both brothers," he said. Shortly before the end of his visit, Benedict XVI, who is accompanied by his secretary Georg Gänswein (63), a doctor, a nurse and a religious, visited the Regensburg Cathedral again on Sunday evening (June 21) to go there in Prayer to linger.

For the pope emeritus, the visit could not only have been a farewell to his brother, but also one of his former homeland. According to diocese spokesman Clemens Neck, Benedikt now feels that "everything that was important has been done".

Official farewell by Markus Söder

Benedict XVI, whose real name is Joseph Ratzinger, had surprisingly traveled to Germany after consulting with Pope Francis (83). The clergyman, born in Marktl in the Upper Bavarian district of Altötting, who was head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013, had taught at Regensburg University in the 1970s. According to the BR, Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (53) is to say goodbye at Munich Airport.