After the death of Georg Ratzinger, Pope Francis addressed a letter of condolence to his brother, the emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Francis (83) gave emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. (93) expressed his condolences in a public letter. Benedikt's brother George Ratzinger, long-time director of the Regensburger Domspatzen, died on Wednesday at the age of 96.
"In this hour of mourning, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy and my closeness to you again," says the letter among other things. Francis promised to pray for the deceased. At the same time, he prayed for Benedict to experience strength, hope and comfort.
Benedict XVI had been "so attentive" to inform Pope Francis "first of all about the news of the departure of (his) beloved brother Georg." A few days ago Benedikt had visited his brother in Regensburg to say goodbye to him. At this point it was already said that Georg Ratzinger was dying.