(April 16, 2011) Cordial birthday wishes came pouring in on the occasion of the 84th
birthday of Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday. Joseph Ratzinger was born in Marktl am
Inn, diocese of Passau, Germany on 16th April 1927. The Holy Father does
not personally celebrate his birthday, but all others have remembered him on that
day. Besides the Cardinals and prelates in Rome, a top Vatican official expressed
on behalf of all close collaborators of the Pope, gratitude and admiration for His
Holiness. Jesuit Father, Federico Lombardi, Director of Vatican Radio and Vatican
Television Centre, as also head of the Vatican Press Office, wished his Holiness strength
and energy to continue his service of illuminating and comforting the faithful, with
the transparency of his faith testimony. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, President of the
Italian Episcopal Conference recalled the Pope’s birthday as well the sixth anniversary
of his election on 19th April 2005. He hailed the Pope as the sure master
to teach us to build an authentic human culture in the vivid awareness of the presence
of Christ. Among others also Queen Elizabeth II of England has sent birthday greetings
to the Pope.