A Vatican spokesman has denied reports Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s health is “in a very bad way”.
Concerns for the 85-year-old’s wellbeing were raised by veteran Vatican correspondent Paloma Gomez-Borerro.
Gomez-Borerro, who has covered the Holy See for decades, made the comments on Tuesday during the presentation of a new book in Madrid.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI resigned in February
She said: “Benedict is in a very bad way. In the last 15 days he has undergone tremendous physical deterioration.
“We won’t have him with us for very much longer.”
While Benedict did indeed cite health reasons when he resigned on February 28, a Vatican spokesman has rigorously denied the claims.
Father Federico Lombardi told The Catholic News Agency Benedict XVI “does not have any illness” and “this has been certified by his doctors”.
He said he was saddened by Gomez Borrero’s “speculation after seeing images of a tired Benedict.”
Pope Francis (l) and his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, meet at the helicopter pad of the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo
He added: “But to say that he has an illness is foolish. There is no basis for this.
“As we all know, Benedict XVI led a very engaged pontificate at his age, and there he is enduring the aches and pains of an elderly person who has worked very hard.”
After stepping down, it emerged Benedict had become nearly blind in one eye and had been falling out of bed, according to a leaked report.
He had been advised by doctors to avoid air travel due to soaring blood pressure and had began to walk with a stick.
Benedict, who was the first Pope to resign in over 600 years, has a pacemaker and had surgery to replace the batteries last year.
Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the new leader of the Catholic church in March.
Bergoglio, 76, is known as Francis I and is the first Pope to be chosen from outside Europe for more than a millennium.
Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
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RECROP OF VAT114 - In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Mons. Franco Comaldo, a pope aide, left, looks at Pope Benedict XVI as he reads a document in Latin where he announces his resignation, during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho) (credit:AP)
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In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, center, reads a document in Latin where he announces his resignation, during a meeting of Vatican cardinals, at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho) (credit:AP)
Britain's Prince Philip (L) watches as h(03 of155)
Britain's Prince Philip (L) watches as his wife Queen Elizabeth talks with Pope Benedict XVI during an exchange of gifts in the Morning Drawing Room, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 16, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI urged all parties involved in Northern Ireland to work for a 'just and lasting peace' in his first speech of an historic state visit to Britain on Thursday. AFP PHOTO / DAVID CHESKIN / POOL (Photo credit should read DAVID CHESKIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI receives a picture from US President George W. Bush during a tete-a-tete in the medieval St John's Tower in the Vatican Gardens on June 13, 2008. US President George W. Bush had a special audience with Pope Benedict XVI, who was returning the hospitality he enjoyed at the White House in April. AFP PHOTO / Filippo Monteforte (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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In this photo released by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, seated in his studio at the Vatican City, uses an iPad device to light up one of the world's largest electronic Christmas trees in Gubbio, central Italy, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, HO) EDITORIAL USE ONLY (credit:AP)
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VATICAN CITY - MAY 30: Pope Benedict XVI meets Gerry and Kate McCann during his weekly audience at St. Peter's Square, May 30, 2007 in Vatican City. The parents of four-year-old Madeleine McCann discussed the plight of their daughter, who vanished 27 days ago whilst holidaying in Portugal. (Photo by Arturo Mari L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets With President Obama(07 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) meets with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets With President Obama(08 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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In this photo released by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI, seated in his studio at the Vatican City, uses an iPad device to light up one of the world's largest electronic Christmas tree in Gubbio, central Italy, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, HO) EDITORIAL USE ONLY (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI clicks on a tablet to send his first twitter message during his weekly general audience on December 12, 2012 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI sent his first Twitter message from a digital tablet on Wednesday using the handle @pontifex, blessing his hundreds of thousands of new Internet followers. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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VATICAN CITY - JUNE 23: Pope Benedict XVI meets outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in a private audience at his library, on June 23, 2007 in Vatican City. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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VATICAN CITY - JUNE 23: Pope Benedict XVI meets outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in a private audience at his library, on June 23, 2007 in Vatican City. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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VATICAN CITY - JUNE 23: Pope Benedict XVI meets outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in a private audience at his library, on June 23, 2007 in Vatican City. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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In this photo released by Cubadebate, Pope Benedict XVI, right, meets with Cuba's Fidel Castro in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday March 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Cubadebate) (credit:AP)
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HAVANA, CUBA - MARCH 29: Pope Benedict XVI meets with former Cuban President Fidel Castro (L) at the Vatican embassy on March 29, 2012 in Havana, Cuba. The Pope is finishing up his first trip to Cuba, fourteen years after Pope John Paul II visited the communist country. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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(FILES) This recent file picture taken on February 6, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican shows Pope Benedict XVI arriving for the weekly general audience. The Vatican spokesman announced that Pope says he will resign on February 28. AFP PHOTO / FILES / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI (R) and his personal secretary Georg Gaenswein arrive for the weekly general audience on February 06, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI gets up after kneeling for a prayer during his visit at the Roman seminary, in Rome Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (credit:AP)
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RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT 'AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS Italy's president Giorgio Napolitano (2nd R) sits flanked by Pope Benedict XVI (C) at a concert by the Orchestra del Maggio Fiorentino, directed by Indian conductor Zubin Metha, to celebrate the 84th Lateran pact's anniversary on February 4, 2013, at the Sala Nervi in Vatican city. AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO' (Photo credit should read OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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In this photo provided by Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI receives a Lazio soccer team's jersey from club's president Claudio Lotito, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI (C) leads his weekly general audience on January 30, 2013 at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO,ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI releases a dove from the window of his appartment at the end of his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square at the Vatican on January 27, 2013. The Pontiff and youth of the Catholic Action released two doves, symbol of peace. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead the celebration of the Vespers of the Solemnity of the conversion of Saint Paul, in conclusion of the week of prayer for christian unity at the Saint Paul basilica in Rome on January 25, 2013. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Celebrates Baptisms In Sistine Chapel(24 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 13: Pope Benedict XVI (L) performs a baptism in the Sistine Chapel on January 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Vatican reiterated its opposition to same-sex marriage on January 13, after an Italian court ruling it was prejudice to assume a child would have a detrimental upbringing living with a gay couple. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano-Vatican Pool via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene on January 12, 2013 prior to a private audience at Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI (C) talks to Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene on January 12, 2013 during a private audience at Vatican. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Receives Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene(27 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 12: Pope Benedict XVI meets HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco during a private audience at his library on January 12, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI (L) is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and his wife Elsa (both not pictured) as he disembarks from a helicopter in Arezzo stadium on the start of a one day pastoral visit on May 13, 2012. The Pope will lead a Holy Mass and will also visit the Shrine of La Verna and address citizens of Sansepolcro. AFP PHOTO / POOL / VINCENZO PINTO ALTERNATIVE CROP VERSION (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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In this photo provided by the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, right, and Pope Benedict XVI meet during an official visit at the Vatican Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. Premier Mario Monti has met with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in their first formal talks since Monti took over as head of a government of experts in November to tackle Italy's debt crisis. The Vatican said the two sides discussed Italian and European issues as well as the need to protect religious minorities in some areas of the world, and confirmed their interest in continuing "constructive cooperation." (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano) (credit:AP)
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Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, right, and Pope Benedict XVI meet during an official visit at the Vatican Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Max Rossi, Pool) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI (R) is greeted by Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and his wife Elsa (L) as he disembarks from a helicopter in Arezzo stadium on the start of a one day pastoral visit on May 13, 2012. The Pope will lead a Holy Mass and will also visit the Shrine of La Verna and address citizens of Sansepolcro. AFP PHOTO / POOL / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI meets Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti(32 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 14: Pope Benedict XVI exchanges gifts with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti during a meeting at his private library on January 14, 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican. This is the first time the Pope has received the new Italian President. (Photo by Stefano Dal Pozzolo - Vatican Pool via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pose for a picture after an oecumenical service at the protestant monastery of St. Augustin in Erfurt, eastern Germany, on September 23, 2011, on the second day of the Pontiff's first state visit to his native Germany. The 84-year old pope, German born Joseph Ratzinger, has a packed program, with 18 sermons and speeches planned for his four-day trip to Berlin, Erfurt in the ex-German Democratic Republic and Freiburg. AFP PHOTO / POOL BUNDESREGIERUNG GUIDO BERGMANN (Photo credit should read GUIDO BERGMANN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Benedict XVI speaks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, center, and her husband Joachim Sauer, left, in the house of the German Bishops Conference in Berlin, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI is on a four-day official visit to his homeland Germany. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, pool) (credit:AP)
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ALTERNATIVE CROP - German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) looks on as Pope Benedict XVI has his robe blown in the face by the wind after arriving on September 22, 2011 at the Tegel airport in Berlin, where he starts his first state visit to his native Germany. The 84-year old pope, German born Joseph Ratzinger, has a packed program, with 18 sermons and speeches planned for his four-day trip to Berlin, Erfurt in the ex-German Democratic Republic and Freiburg. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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FILE - In this Friday, June 6, 2008 file photo, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi shows one of the gifts he received from Pope Benedict XVI, a pen commemorating St. Peter, on the occasion of their meeting at the Vatican City. Premier Silvio Berlusconi resigned in Rome, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, after the Parliament's lower chamber passed European-demanded reforms, ending a 17-year political era and setting in motion a transition aimed at bringing Italy back from the brink of economic crisis. The 75-year-old billionaire media mogul, who came to power for the first time in 1994 using a soccer chant "Go Italy" as the name of his political party, became Italy's longest-serving post-war premier.(AP Photo/Alessandro Bianchi, pool, file) (credit:AP)
The Pope Meets With President Obama(37 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets With President Obama(38 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (L) and First Lady Michelle Obama exchange gifts with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets With President Obama(39 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JULY 10: US President Barack Obama (R) meets with Pope Benedict XVI in his library at the Vatican on July 10, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Obama was meeting with The Pope for the first time as President following the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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British Prime Minister David Cameron (L) bids farewell to Pope Benedict XVI at Birmingham International Airport, England, on September 19, 2010, after a four day visit to Britain by the Pope. Pope Benedict XVI flew out of Britain Sunday after an historic four-day state visit, as Prime Minister David Cameron said he had made people 'sit up and think.' AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pays A State Visit To The UK - Day 4(41 of155)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI is escorted by PM David Cameron as heads to board his Alitalia jet to Italy on September 19, 2010 in Birmingham, England. Pope Benedict XVI has conducted the first state visit to the UK by a Pontiff. Earlier in the day he beatified Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. (Photo by Carl Court - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Archbishop's House, in central London, on September 18, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI is 'very calm' and 'no one felt threatened' despite the arrest of six men linked to an alleged plot to launch an attack during his visit to Britain, a Vatican spokesman said Saturday. AFP PHOTO/Stefan Rousseau/POOL (Photo credit should read STEFAN ROUSSEAU/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI strokesa lion cub as he greets circus artists and workers, during an audience he held in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Benedict clapped and watched amused as circus workers flipped, flopped, juggled and twisted before him in what the Vatican has called a historic audience to make street performers and other itinerant entertainers feel like they belong to the church. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI strokes a lion cub as he greets circus artists and workers during an audience he held in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Benedict clapped and watched amused as circus workers flipped, flopped, juggled and twisted before him in what the Vatican has called a historic audience to make street performers and other itinerant entertainers feel like they belong to the church. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (credit:AP)
Pope Benedict XVI Celebrates The Vespers And Te Deum Prayers To Mark The End of 2012(45 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI is helped by assistants as he celebrates the Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on December 31, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter's Basilica the mark the end of 2012 at the Vatican on December 31, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI blesses as arrives for the prayer with the ecumenical christian community of Taize during their European meeting, on December 29, 2012, in St.Peter's square at the Vatican. The Taize community, based in the eastern French village of Taize, was created in 1940 by Brother Roger, from Switzerland. The group draws tens of thousands of young people for prayer workshops held across the year at its base, and similar numbers at its annual gathering in a European city, traditionally held between Christmas and the New Year's eve. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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FILE - In this June 28, 2011 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI touches a touchpad to send a tweet for the launch of the Vatican news information portal "www.news.va", at the Vatican. The Vatican said Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, that Pope Benedict XVI will start tweeting in six languages from his own personal handle (at)Pontifex, on Dec. 12. The pontiff will be using a question and answer format in his first Tweet, focusing on answering questions about faith in 140 characters. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, File) EDITORIAL USE ONLY (credit:AP)
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FILE - In this Tuesday, March 15, 2011 file photo, the newly elected Maronite Patriarch Bechara el-Rai gestures as he is surrounded by supporters shortly after his election at the Maronite church's seat in Bkirki, northeast of Beirut, Lebanon. Pope Benedict XVI has named six new cardinals Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, adding prelates from Lebanon, the Philippines, Nigeria, Colombia, India and the United States to the ranks of cardinals who will elect his successor. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein, File) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's square to bless the nativity scene at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. The Pontiff marked the end of 2011 with prayers of thanks and said humanity awaits the new year with apprehension but also with hope for a better future. "Another year approaches its end, while we await a new one, with the trepidation, desires and expectations of always," Benedict said at the traditional New Year's Eve vespers service, as he delivered his homily from the central altar of St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing as he arrives for the weekly general audience in the Pope Paul II hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (credit:AP)
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In this photo provided by the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City and to the World) speech from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. Benedict XVI called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in his Christmas message Sunday, an appeal for peace that was challenged by deadly attacks on two Nigerian churches. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Christmas mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on December 24, 2011, to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ. Pope Benedict XVI hailed Christ's humility, urging the faithful to look beyond the Christmas 'glitter' and 'enlightened reason', and issued a powerful message for peace. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI (R) gives the communion to an altar boy as he celebrates Christmas mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on December 24, 2011, to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ. Pope Benedict XVI hailed Christ's humility, urging the faithful to look beyond the Christmas 'glitter' and 'enlightened reason', and issued a powerful message for peace. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI lights a candle in his private window, at the end of the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, on December 24, 2011. Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate late Christmas night holy mass at St. Peter's Basilica to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI (C) takes place to lea(57 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI (C) takes place to lead the Vesper prayer with members of Rome's universities on December 15, 2011 at St Peter's basilica at The Vatican. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI (C) leads the Vesper prayer with members of Rome's universities on December 15, 2011 at St Peter's basilica at The Vatican. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful during his annual prayer at the Immaculate Conception statue at Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) in Rome on December 8, 2011 on the day dedicated to virgin Mary. Pope Benedict reflected earlier in the day Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in his Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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FILE - In this July 23, 2010 file photo made available by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI reads the L'Osservatore Romano newspaper in the pontiffs' summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, in the hills overlooking Rome. L'Osservatore Romano says Tuesday, July 24, 2012 it is starting a new distribution deal in the United States, in the hope of broadening its English-language readership base and getting editions to subscribers faster. Starting Wednesday, the newspaper says its weekly English edition will be printed and mailed by the Huntington, Indiana-based Catholic publishing house Our Sunday Visitor. For the past year, copies were mailed to subscribers from Rome, incurring delays, after the contract with its previous U.S.-based distributor expired. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO, file) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI attends his weekly general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010. In background is a bronze sculpture, the Resurrection, by artist Pericle Fazzini. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) (credit:AP)
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Pope Benedict XVI delivers the 'urbi et orbi' (to the city and the world) blessing from the balcony of the St Peter' s basilica at Vatican on December 25, 2009. The pontiff urged wealthy nations on Friday to show 'acceptance and welcome' to migrants fleeing poverty or intolerance at home. The day after an assailant caused the 82-year-old pontiff to fall as he began leading the Christmas Eve mass, he appeared upbeat as he addressed to tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square and millions around the world. AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Delivers His Annual Urbi Et Orbi Message(63 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - DECEMBER 25: A view of St. Peter's Square during the 'urbi et orbi' blessing (to the city and to the world) held by Pope Benedict XVI from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on December 25, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Grab taken from the Vatican TV shows a woman (R in red) jumping over a barrier towards Pope Benedict XVI (C carrying cross) during Christmas Eve at St Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2009. A woman threw herself at Pope Benedict XVI and dragged him to the ground as he entered St Peter's Basilica to celebrate Christmas Eve mass. AFP PHOTO / VATICAN TV / BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Grab taken from the Vatican TV shows French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray being carried away after getting injured as a woman threw herself at Pope Benedict XVI and dragged him to the ground as he entered St Peter's Basilica to celebrate Christmas Eve mass on december 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO / VATICAN TV (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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This handout picture released by The Vatican press office shows Pope Benedict XVI receiving a basketball jersey from former Italian basketball player Meneghin on December 16, 2009 after his weekly general audience at The Vatican. AFP PHOTO RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pope Benedict XVI looks at a gift offered by Vietnam's President Nguyen Minh Triet (L) during their meeting in his private library at the Vatican on December 11, 2009. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI (R) exchanges presents(68 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI (R) exchanges presents with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during an audience at The Vatican on December 3, 2009. Russia and the Vatican have established full diplomatic relations ending longstanding tensions, the Kremlin announced afterMedvedev met Pope Benedict XVI. AFP PHOTO / POOL / Giuseppe Giglia (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE GIGLIA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI (R) greets Russian Pre(69 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI (R) greets Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during an audience at The Vatican on December 3, 2009. Russia and the Vatican have established full diplomatic relations ending longstanding tensions, the Kremlin announced afterMedvedev met Pope Benedict XVI. AFP PHOTO / POOL / Giuseppe Giglia (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE GIGLIA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI (R) exchanges presents(70 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI (R) exchanges presents with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (C) during an audience at The Vatican on December 3, 2009. Russia and the Vatican have established full diplomatic relations ending longstanding tensions, the Kremlin announced afterMedvedev met Pope Benedict XVI. AFP PHOTO / POOL / Giuseppe Giglia (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE GIGLIA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez(71 of155)
Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner poses with Pope Benedict XVI during a private audience at the Vatican on November 28, 2009. AFP PHOTO / POOL / OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict Meets With Argentinan And Chilean Presidents(72 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - NOVEMBER 28: Pope Benedict XVI receives Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner on November 28, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pope held audience with the president and Chile's President Michelle Bachele to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of peace treaty between the two countries. (Photo by Giancarlo Giuliani/The Vatican-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Meets Kuwaiti Emir(73 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - NOVEMBER 23: Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah at his library on November 23, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Sheikh Sabah is one of eight world leaders meeting with Pope Benedict XI this month. (Photo by Alessia Giuliani-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Meets Kuwaiti Emir(74 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - NOVEMBER 23: Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and his delegation at his library on November 23, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. Sheikh Sabah is one of eight world leaders meeting with Pope Benedict XI this month. (Photo by Alessia Giuliani-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers a speech prio(75 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers a speech prior to his departure at Birmingham International Airport, on September 19, 2010. The first state visit of a pope to Britain -- his predecessor John Paul II made a 'pastoral visit' in 1982 -- began in Scotland, where Benedict is due to meet Queen Elizabeth II, titular head of the world's Anglicans, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The 83-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church will proceed to Glasgow, London and Birmingham on the four-day trip. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
British Prime Minister David Cameron (4t(76 of155)
British Prime Minister David Cameron (4thL) listens to Pope Benedict XVI (C) prior to his departure, at Birmingham International Airport, on September 19, 2010. The first state visit of a pope to Britain -- his predecessor John Paul II made a 'pastoral visit' in 1982 -- began in Scotland, where Benedict is due to meet Queen Elizabeth II, titular head of the world's Anglicans, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The 83-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church will proceed to Glasgow, London and Birmingham on the four-day trip. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pays A State Visit To The UK - Day 4(77 of155)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI's attends Oscott College, the home of the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, on September 19, 2010 in Birmingham, England. On the last day of Pope Benedict XVI's state visit the Pontiff is beatifying Cardinal Newman in front of over 50,000 faithful. His Holiness has also met The Queen as well as political and religious representatives during the four day visit. (Photo by Simon Dawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pays A State Visit To The UK - Day 4(78 of155)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands as he leaves Oscott College, the home of the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, where he met with the Bishops of England, Scotland and Wales, on September 19, 2010 in Birmingham, England. On the last day of Pope Benedict XVI's state visit the Pontiff is beatifying Cardinal Newman in front of over 50,000 faithful. His Holiness has also met The Queen as well as political and religious representatives during the four day visit. (Photo by Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pays A State Visit To The UK - Day 4(79 of155)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI introduces British Prime Minister David Cameron to members of the clergy at a departure ceremony on September 19, 2010 in Birmingham, England. Pope Benedict XVI has conducted the first state visit to the UK by a Pontiff. Earlier in the day he beatified Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Pays A State Visit To The UK - Day 4(80 of155)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves Oscott College, the home of the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, where he met with the Bishops of England, Scotland and Wales, on September 19, 2010 in Birmingham, England. On the last day of Pope Benedict XVI's state visit the Pontiff is beatifying Cardinal Newman in front of over 50,000 faithful. His Holiness has also met The Queen as well as political and religious representatives during the four day visit. (Photo by Matt Cardy - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets P(81 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Pope Benedict XVI during a private audience at the Vatican, 13 March 2007. Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Italy for his first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI and talks with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi likely to focus on bilateral energy deals. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW MEDICHINI (Photo credit should read ANDREW MEDICHINI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets P(82 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Pope Benedict XVI during a private audience at the Vatican, 13 March 2007. Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Italy for his first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI and talks with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi likely to focus on bilateral energy deals. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW MEDICHINI (Photo credit should read ANDREW MEDICHINI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with French pres(83 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with French president Nicolas Sarkozy during a private audience at the Vatican, 20 December 2007. The visit comes amid a media frenzy in France over Sarkozy's reported romance with singer and ex-model Carla Bruni, just two months after a divorce from his second wife Cecilia was announced. AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with French pres(84 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with French president Nicolas Sarkozy during a private audience at the Vatican, 20 December 2007. The visit comes amid a media frenzy in France over Sarkozy's reported romance with singer and ex-model Carla Bruni, just two months after a divorce from his second wife Cecilia was announced. AFP PHOTO / OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read OSSERVATORE ROMANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(FILES) A picture taken on December 20,(85 of155)
(FILES) A picture taken on December 20, 2007 shows Pope Benedict XVI shaking hands with French president Nicolas Sarkozy during a private audience at the Vatican. Nicolas Sarkozy will make a visit on October 8, 2010 at the Vatican to meet pope Benoît XVI in order to calm down the misunderstanding caused this summer by the French policy about the Roma community. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI (2nd L) prays during a(86 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI (2nd L) prays during a mass in a parish of 'Santa Maria del Rosario ai Martiri Portuensi' in the outskirts of Rome, 16 December 2007. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI (C) wears his vest dur(87 of155)
Pope Benedict XVI (C) wears his vest during a pastoral visit to the parish of 'Santa Maria del Rosario ai Martiri Portuensi' in the outskirts of Rome, 16 December 2007. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Signs the Second Encyclical of His Pontificate(88 of155)
VATICAN CITY, ITALY - NOVEMBER 30: Pope Benedict XVI signs his second encyclical of his pontificate November 30, 2007 in Vatican City. The 70-page encyclical is titled in Latin 'Spe Salvi facti sumus' (In Hope We Are Saved). (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict Holds Weekly Audience At The Vatican(89 of155)
VATICAN CITY - DECEMBER 28: Pope Benedict XVI arrives in St. Peter's Square for his weekly audience on December 28, 2005 in Vatican City. The Pontif dressed for the second time in the red hat used by Pope John XXIII forty years ago. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict Holds Weekly Audience At The Vatican(90 of155)
VATICAN CITY - DECEMBER 28: Pope Benedict XVI arrives in St. Peter's Square for his weekly audience on December 28, 2005 in Vatican City. The Pontif dressed for the second time in the red hat used by Pope John XXIII forty years ago. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict Holds Weekly Audience At The Vatican(91 of155)
VATICAN CITY - DECEMBER 28: Pope Benedict XVI arrives in St. Peter's Square for his weekly audience on December 28, 2005 in Vatican City. The Pontif dressed for the second time in the red hat used by Pope John XXIII forty years ago. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims on St(92 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims on St Peter's square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, 28 December 2005. The pontiff prayed for the victims of last year's Asian earthquake and tsunami, which killed at least 220,000 people. AFP PHOTO / Patrick HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI wearing a Camauro, a r(93 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI wearing a Camauro, a red velvet hat with white ermine trim used by popes in the 12th century, kisses a baby as he arrives on St Peter's square at the Vatican to preside over his weekly general audience, 28 December 2005. The pontiff prayed for the victims of last year's Asian earthquake and tsunami, which killed at least 220,000 people. AFP PHOTO / Patrick HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his first ''urbi et Orbi'' message from the velvet-draped loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Italy on December 25, 2005.(94 of155)
ITALY - DECEMBER 25: It was Benedict's first Christmas 'urbi et Orbi' message - Latin for 'to the city and to the world', and he continued the tradition of Pope John Paul II by using the speech to review conditions around the world and lament the violence and poverty that afflict so many. Pope Benedict XVI said that signs of hope in Iraq, the Holy Land and Lebanon need to be reinforced by actions on the ground. Benedict urged protection for those suffering 'tragic humanitarian crises' in Darfur, Sudan, and other parts of Africa, and called for the settlement of 'dangerous disputes' in Asia and continued dialogue on the Korean peninsula. (Photo by Eric VANDEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope benedict XVI lights a peace candle(95 of155)
VATICAN, Vatican: Pope benedict XVI lights a peace candle at the window of his private apartment at the Vatican City, 24 December 2005, before celebrating midnight Mass. AFP PHOTO / Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as he l(96 of155)
Rome, ITALY: Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as he leaves Santa Maria Consolatrice church in Rome, 18 December 2005. The pontiff made his first pastoral visit, to a Rome parish. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby on St-Pe(97 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby on St-Peter square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, 21 December 2005. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI holds a gift during du(98 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI holds a gift during during a special audience for an Austrian delegation at the Vatican, 17 December 2005. The Christmas tree, a donation from Austria, will later be lit on St-Peter's square. AFP PHOTO / Patrick HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby on St-Pe(99 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI kisses a baby on St-Peter square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, 14 December 2005. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and fa(100 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and faithfull on St-Peter square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, 14 December 2005. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TO GO WITH STORY IN FRENCH - "Benoit XVI(101 of155)
Vatican City, Vatican: TO GO WITH STORY IN FRENCH - 'Benoit XVI, le pape deconcertant' - (FILES) Picture taken 19 April 2005 at the Vatican City of Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope Benedict XVI, waving to crowd from the window of St Peter's Basilica's main balcony after being elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church . AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Holds Weekly Audience(102 of155)
VATICAN CITY - DECEMBER 7: Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as the faithful gather in St. Peter's Square as he arrives for his weekly audience on December 7, 2005 in Vatican City. According to news reports, details of the pontiff's first visit to Poland are expected to be finalized soon. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI blesses pilgrims as he(103 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI blesses pilgrims as he arrives in St. Peter's square for his traditional weekly general audience 07 December 2005 at Vatican. The pontiff marks 40 years since the closing of the second Vatican Ecumenical Council on 06 December 2005, a revolutionary event in the Catholic Church that many think failed to live up to its promise. AFP PHOTO/ Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI gives a gift to Prince(104 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI gives a gift to Prince Albert II of Monaco during a private audience 05 December 2005 at the Vatican . The sovereign, 16 days after being crowned head of the tiny principality where Catholicism is the religion of the state, presented the pope with a small statue of Saint Devote, the patron saint of the principality and of the ruling Grimaldi family. AFP PHOTO / POOL / PIER PAOLO CITO (Photo credit should read PIER PAOLO CITO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Meets WIth Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas(105 of155)
VATICAN CITY - DECEMBER 3: Pope Benedict XVI (R) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his private library December 3, 2005 in Vatican City. Abbas, who is two-day visit to Italy, had a 20 minute audience with the Pontiff. (Photo by Gregor Galazka-Vatican Pool/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithfuls(106 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithfuls 26 November 2005 as he leaves the celebration of the First Vespers on the occasion of the first week of Advent in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican . AFP PHOTO/ ANDREAS SOLARO (Photo credit should read ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI walks down the stairs(107 of155)
Rome, ITALY: Pope Benedict XVI walks down the stairs as he leaves Sacro Cuore Catholic University to deliver a speech for the ceremony of the inauguration of the academic year in Rome, 25 November 2005. AFP PHOTO/ Max ROSSI /POOL (Photo credit should read Max ROSSI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI is helped by his priva(108 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI is helped by his private secretary Georg Gaenswein (R) and bishop James Harvey prior his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican 23 November 2005. The Vatican relaced 22 November a document reading that men with 'deep-seated' gay tendencies and those who support gay culture, should not be allowed to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood. But the Church will allow men who have 'clearly overcome' homosexual tendencies for at least three years to proceed toward the priesthood. AFP PHOTO/ Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI smiles as the wind blo(109 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI smiles as the wind blows his red coat during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican 23 November 2005. The Vatican relaced 22 November a document reading that men with 'deep-seated' gay tendencies and those who support gay culture, should not be allowed to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood. But the Church will allow men who have 'clearly overcome' homosexual tendencies for at least three years to proceed toward the priesthood. AFP PHOTO/ Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI smiles as the wind blo(110 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI smiles as the wind blows his red cape during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican 23 November 2005. The Vatican relaced 22 November a document reading that men with 'deep-seated' gay tendencies and those who support gay culture, should not be allowed to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood. But the Church will allow men who have 'clearly overcome' homosexual tendencies for at least three years to proceed toward the priesthood. AFP PHOTO/ Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Meets With Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi(111 of155)
VATICAN CITY - NOVEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI (R) talks with Italian Prime Minister Sivio Berlusconi during their meeting November 19, 2005 in Vatican City. This is the first meeting between the two since teh Pope's election. (Photo by Alberto Pizzoli-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Meets With Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi(112 of155)
VATICAN CITY - NOVEMBER 19: Pope Benedict XVI (R) talks with Italian Prime Minister Sivio Berlusconi during their meeting November 19, 2005 in Vatican City. This is the first meeting between the two since teh Pope's election. (Photo by Alberto Pizzoli-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Meets Israeli President Moshe Katzav(113 of155)
VATICAN CITY-NOVEMBER 17: Pope Benedict XVI exchanges gifts with Israeli President Moshe Katzav during a meeting at his private library, November 17, 2005, in the Vatican City. This is the first visit by an Israeli leader to the Vatican. (Photo by: Franco Origlia/ Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and fa(114 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and faithfull on St-Peter square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, 16 November 2005. Pope Benedict XVI saluted the 'courageous activities' of the worldwide anti-abortion movement. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and fa(115 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims and faithfull on St-Peter square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, 16 November 2005. Pope Benedict XVI saluted the 'courageous activities' of the worldwide anti-abortion movement. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets Albanian PM Sali Berisha(116 of155)
VATICAN CITY - NOVEMBER 10: Pope Benedict XVI (C) receives a statue of Mother Teresa as a gift from Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his wife during a meeting at his private library November 10, 2005 in Vatican City. Prime Minister Berisha is on an official visit to the Vatican. (Photo by Alessia Giuliani-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI leaves the Alula Nervi(117 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI leaves the Alula Nervi at Vatican at the end of the premiere of the movie 'Giovanni Paolo II' (Pope John Paul II) directed by John Kent Harrison and starring US actor John Voight playing Pope John Paul II, 17 November 2005 at the Vatican. AFP PHOTO / Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Attends Screening Of "John Paul II" Premiere(118 of155)
VATICAN CITY, ITALY - NOVEMBER 17: Pope Benedict XVI attends the screening of 'John Paul II' Premiere at the Paul VI Hall on November 17, 2005 in Vatican City, Italy. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI, accompanied by Bishop(119 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pope Benedict XVI, accompanied by Bishop Piero Marini (L), blesses the altar in St Peter's Square, 23 October 2005, prior a solemn mass toproclaim the canonisation of Polish Archbishop Jozef Bilczewski, (1860-1923), diocesan priest Zygmunt Gorazdowski (1845-1920), Italian priest Gaetano Catanoso (1879-1963), an illiterate Capuchin monk Felice da Nicosa (1715-1787), and Chilean Jesuit Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga (1901-1952). In a 'message to the people of God' marking the end of a three-week gathering of 250 bishops and cardinals at the Vatican, the bishops called on political leaders to enact laws protecting marriage and the family, outlawing abortion and euthanasia. AFP PHOTO Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Holds Canonization Ceremony In St Peter's Square(120 of155)
VATICAN CITY- OCTOBER 23: Pilgrims gather for a canonization ceremony in St. Peter's Square October 23, 2005 in Vatican City. Pope Benedict XVI named five Catholics on the road to sainthood during the mass, which also ended the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TO GO WITH STORY IN FRENCH - "Benoit XVI(121 of155)
ROME, Italy: TO GO WITH STORY IN FRENCH - 'Benoit XVI, le pape deconcertant' - (FILES) Picture taken 19 October 2005 Pope Benedict XVI arriving in St-Peter's square at the Vatican, to preside over his weekly general audience. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Conducts Prayers With Children In St. Peters Square(122 of155)
VATICAN CITY - OCTOBER 15: Pope Benedict XVI embraces a child at a meeting and prayer with children who made their First Communion during the year in St. Peter's Square October 15, 2005 in Vatican City. About 100,000 children and parents attended the event. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pilgrims attend at solemn mass celebrate(123 of155)
Vatican City, VATICAN CITY STATE: Pilgrims attend at solemn mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter's Square 23 October 2005, to proclaim the canonisation of Polish Archbishop Jozef Bilczewski, (1860-1923), diocesan priest Zygmunt Gorazdowski (1845-1920), Italian priest Gaetano Catanoso (1879-1963), an illiterate Capuchin monk Felice da Nicosa (1715-1787), and Chilean Jesuit Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga (1901-1952). In a 'message to the people of God' marking the end of a three-week gathering of 250 bishops and cardinals at the Vatican, the bishops called on political leaders to enact laws protecting marriage and the family, outlawing abortion and euthanasia. AFP PHOTO Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI attends a concert by the Regensburger Domspatzen boys choir with his brother Georg Ratzinger at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome, Italy on October 22nd, 2005.(124 of155)
ITALY - OCTOBER 22: Pope Benedict XVI attends a concert by the Regensburger Domspatzen boys choir with his brother Georg Ratzinger at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome, Italy on October 22nd, 2005. (Photo by Eric VANDEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets King Abdullah Of Jordan(125 of155)
CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Pope Benedict XVI (L) meets with King Abdullah II of Jordan at his summer residence September 12, 2005 in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. King Abdullah II is on an official visit to the area. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Pope Meets King Abdullah Of Jordan(126 of155)
CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Pope Benedict XVI (C) meets with King Abdullah II of Jordan and his wife, Queen Rania, at his summer residence September 12, 2005 in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. King Abdullah II is on an official visit to the area. (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Sunday's ma(127 of155)
KERPEN, Germany: Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Sunday's mass at the Marienfeld in Kerpen, 21 August 2005, as part of the World Youth jamboree. The mass at Marienfeld park, expected to be attended by 800,000 Roman Catholics, is the culmination of the World Youth Day jamboree, invented two decades ago by the pope's predecessor John Paul II. (2ndR) is papal ceremony master archbishop Piero Marini, at (R) is Bishop Renato Boccardo, the Vatican's equivalent of a foreign minister. AFP PHOTO DDP/MARTIN OESER (Photo credit should read MARTIN OESER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI speaks during a meetin(128 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI speaks during a meeting with the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church 22 April 2005 in the Vatican City. The Popewarmly thanked the cardinals telling them he needed their advice and support to complete his mission. 'Your spiritual closeness, your wise counsel, and your active cooperation will be for me a gift for which I will always be grateful,' the newly-elected pontiff told the cardinals in a speech in the Clementine Hall. AFP PHOTO POOL ARTURO MARI (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cardinals applaud Pope Benedict XVI duri(129 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Cardinals applaud Pope Benedict XVI during a meeting with the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church 22 April 2005 in the Vatican City. The Popewarmly thanked the cardinals telling them he needed their advice and support to complete his mission. 'Your spiritual closeness, your wise counsel, and your active cooperation will be for me a gift for which I will always be grateful,' the newly-elected pontiff told the cardinals in a speech in the Clementine Hall. AFP PHOTO POOL ARTURO MARI OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Celebrates First Mass With Cardinals In Sistine Chapel(130 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 20: Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, leads his first mass with all the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on April 20, 2005 in the Vatican. Pope Benedict announced his first job would be to unify all Christians, but also to be committed to 'open and sincere dialogue' with other religions. The 78-year-old pontiff will be inaugurated as the 265th pope on Sunday. (Photo by Osservatore Romano/Arturo Mari-Vatican Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI stands on the balcony(131 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI stands on the balcony and looks outside 20 April 2005 in the Vatican City. Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI made his first trip outside the Vatican, to his former apartment in Rome where he was greeted by well-wishers including two French children whom he kissed. AFP PHOTO ARTURO MARI POOL OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI stands on a balcony at(132 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI stands on a balcony at the Vatican 20 April 2005. Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI made his first trip outside the Vatican, to his former apartment in Rome where he was greeted by well-wishers. AFP PHOTO ARTURO MARI POOL OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Greets Faith Group(133 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 20: Pope Benedict XVI (L) greets the Doctrine of the Faith group April 20, 2005 at the Vatican. Cardinal Ratzinger was elected the new Pope on April 19. (Photo by Arturo Mari-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by a crowd(134 of155)
ROME, Italy: Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by a crowd of people as he leaves his residence 20 April 2005 in Rome. Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI made his first trip outside the Vatican, to his former apartment in Rome where he was greeted by well-wishers. AFP PHOTO ARTURO MARI POOL OSSERVATORE ROMANO (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI Greets Well-Wishers In Vatican City(135 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 20: Pope Benedict XVI (L) greets well-wishers April 20, 2005 in Vatican City. Cardinal Ratzinger was elected the new Pope on April 19. (Photo by Arturo Mari-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzi(136 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, appears on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, 19 April 2005. AFP PHOTO POOL Osservatore Romano Arturo Mari (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzi(137 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, appears on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, 19 April 2005. AFP PHOTO POOL Osservatore Romano Arturo Mari (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope(138 of155)
Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope Benedict XVI, waves to crowd from the window of St Peter's Basilica's main balcony after being elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church 19 April 2005 at the Vatican City. (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzi(139 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, appears on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, 19 April 2005. AFP PHOTO POOL Osservatore Romano Arturo Mari (Photo credit should read ARTURO MARI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope(140 of155)
Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope Benedict XVI, appears at the window of St Peter's Basilica's main balcony after being elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church 19 April 2005 at the Vatican City. AFP PHOTO THOMAS COEX (Photo credit should read THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A New Pope Is Elected In The Vatican(141 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 19: Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI appears on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope and will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedic(142 of155)
VATICAN CITY, Vatican: Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, appears at the window of the main balcony after being elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church 19 April 2005 at the Vatican City. AFP PHOTO PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A New Pope Is Elected In The Vatican(143 of155)
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 19: Newly elected Pope Joseph Ratzinger (L) as Benedetto XVI leaves the Sistine Chapel to appear on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. The 265th Pope will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Arturo Mari-Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A New Pope Is Elected In The Vatican(144 of155)
ROME - APRIL 19: A vendor sells newly printed newspapers announcing the election of Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, April 19, 2005 in Rome, Italy. The 265th Pope will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A New Pope Is Elected In The Vatican(145 of155)
ROME - APRIL 19: A woman reads a newly printed edition of the newspaper L'Osservatore Romano at a newstand announcing the election of Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, April 19, 2005 in Rome, Italy. The 265th Pope will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A New Pope Is Elected In The Vatican(146 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 19: Crowds gather in St. Peter Square to listen to newly elected Pope Benedictae XVI on April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope and will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A New Pope Is Elected In The Vatican(147 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 19: Crowds gather in St. Peter Square to listen to newly elected Pope Benedictae XVI on April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope and will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
White Smoke Signals New Pope At Vatican(148 of155)
VATICAN CITY - APRIL 19: White smoke is seen from the roof of the Sistine Chapel indicating that the College of Cardinals have elected a new Pope on April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. Joseph Ratzinger (C) of Germany now known as Pope Benedict XVI is the 265th and will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ratzinger Familt Portrait(149 of155)
FREISING, GERMANY - 1959: (FILE PHOTO) (GERMANY OUT, AUSTRIA OUT, SWITZERLAND OUT) The Ratzinger family; Joseph Ratzinger (L-R), mother Maria, father Joseph, sister Maria and brother Georg, are shown prior to their departure from the Bavarian town of Freising in Spring 1959. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope April 19, 2005 and has taken the name Benedict XVI. (Photo by German Catholic News Agency KNA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ratzinger Family Portrait(150 of155)
UNDATED - JULY 8, 1951: (FILE PHOTO) (GERMANY OUT, AUSTRIA OUT, SWITZERLAND OUT) Joseph Ratzinger (2nd R) is shown with his family; brother Georg (2nd L), father Josef (R), sister Maria (L,) and mother Maria on the day of the two brothers' ordination to the priesthood July 8, 1951. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope April 19, 2005 and has taken the name Benedict XVI. (Photo by German Catholic News Agency KNA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A photo taken during the 85th German Cat(151 of155)
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY: A photo taken during the 85th German Catholics Days in Freiburg between 13 and 17 September 1978, shows the Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (C) praying next to Mother Teresa. Ratzinger was elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church 19 April 2005 at the Vatican City, becoming Pope Benedict XVI. AFP PHOTO/KNA-BILD/AUSTRIA OUT SWITZERLAND OUT GERMANY OUT (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A photo taken in 1943 during World War I(152 of155)
MUNICH, GERMANY: A photo taken in 1943 during World War II shows Joseph Ratzinger as a German Air Force assistant. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church 19 April 2005 at the Vatican City, becoming Pope Benedict XVI. AFP PHOTO/KNA-BILD/AUSTRIA OUT SWITZERLAND OUT GERMANY OUT (Photo credit should read STF/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ratzinger Family Pictured In 1930(153 of155)
UNDATED - 1938: (FILE PHOTO) (GERMANY OUT, AUSTRIA OUT, SWITZERLAND OUT) The Ratzinger family from is pictured in 1938 from right to left; father Josef , sister Maria, mother Maria and brothers Georg and Joseph. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope April 19, 2005 and has taken the name Benedict XVI. (Photo by German Catholic News Agency KNA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Joseph Ratzinger Gives A Theology Lecture(154 of155)
GERMANY - 1955: (FILE PHOTO) (GERMANY OUT, AUSTRIA OUT, SWITZERLAND OUT) Joseph Ratzinger gives a theology lecture at the University of Freising during the summer semester in 1955. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope April 19, 2005 and has taken the name Benedict XVI. (Photo by German Catholic News Agency KNA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(155 of155)
FILE - In this 1979 file photo, Pope John Paul II, left, poses with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Munich, who was named on Nov. 25, 1981, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and President of the Pontifical Biblical Commission and of the International Theological Commission, the former Holy Office. Ratzinger was elected Pope, April 19, 2005 and chose Benedict XVI as his papal name. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, he would resign Feb. 28 because he is simply too old to carry on. (AP Photo/File) (credit:AP)