Benedict XVI .: The trip to Germany costs him strength

Yesterday Thursday (June 18) Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. (93) surprisingly traveled to Germany. He flew from Rome to Munich and traveled to Regensburg "to be with his seriously ill 96-year-old brother," as the diocese of Regensburg announced. "It may be the last time that the two brothers, Georg and Joseph Ratzinger, see themselves in this world." The visit was therefore decided "at short notice". Benedict XVI had previously consulted with Pope Francis (83). The journey seems to take some strength.

Date of return trip still unclear

After arriving in Regensburg, the pope emeritus went to see his brother. The two celebrated Holy Mass together. In the afternoon Benedict XVI retired. "exhausted from the efforts of the trip" back to the seminary of the diocese of Regensburg, where he lives during his stay. On Thursday evening he went to his brother again.

On Friday there was "a real Bavarian breakfast" with pretzels. The brothers then celebrated "a common mass for today's Sacred Heart of Jesus" in the morning. Then apple strudel was served.

Benedict XVI didn't come to Germany alone. He is accompanied by his secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein (63), his doctor, his nurse and a religious.

How long the papa emeritus will stay in his old homeland is not yet known. "The date of his return journey has not yet been determined," said the diocese of Regensburg.