Insiders say Benedict's health continues to deteriorate

According to visitors, Pope Emeritus Benedict has declined in size and stature and he may not live much longer. The Vatican is dismissing such claims as sensationalism.

VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - Ultimately, it will be God's decision when Pope Emeritus Benedict may go home to the Lord whom he loves and serves so well, until then he will reside in a monastery at the Vatican spending his time in prayer. Despite this reality, some reporters and visitors who have seen Benedict since his return to the Vatican have expressed concern over his health.

Benedict does not have any known, serious physical conditions, other than his advanced age. He is certainly weary from a life of ceaseless service and has expressed his relief at being retired. Benedict did cite his health as a reason for his resignation.

Benedict's brother, Georg Ratzinger, 88, and who is also a priest, has denied that there is any illness plaguing the retired pope.

However, reporters as well as Archbishop Joachim Meisner, say they have been surprised by his reduced stature, which is notably less than when he resigned. Archbishop Meisner said he was "shocked" at Benedict's frailty, however he added that the former pontiff was still of sound mind.

"Mentally, however, he is quite fit, his old self," Meisner said.

Reporter Paloma Gomez Borrero, a much-respected and veteran reporter recently predicted, "we won't have him for very much longer."

At this time, Pope Emeritus Benedict has withdrawn into his monastery within the Vatican and his public exposure is expected to be very limited, if any at all. For now, he will live "hidden from the world" as he pledged in February, and our part will be to pray for him and his health, and the rest shall be to God.

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