Francis warmly congratulates Benedict for 70 years a priest

AFP

"To you, Benedict, dear father and brother, goes our affection, our gratitude and our closeness."

Pope Francis noted the 70th anniversary of priestly ordination of Benedict XVI on this feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

After praying today’s midday Angelus, Pope Francis said this:

And today marks an anniversary that touches the hearts of us all: 70 years ago, Pope Benedict was ordained a priest. [Applause] To you, Benedict, dear father and brother, goes our affection, our gratitude and our closeness.
He lives in the monastery, a place intended to house the contemplative communities here in the Vatican, so that they could pray for the Church. He is now the contemplative of the Vatican, who spends his life praying for the Church and for the diocese of Rome, of which he is bishop emeritus.
Thank you, Benedict, dear father and brother. Thank you for your credible witness. Thank you for your gaze, constantly directed towards the horizon of God: thank you!

On the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in 1951, Joseph Alois Ratzinger was ordained to the priesthood alongside his brother Georg.

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Donate now!