(Vatican Radio) The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi,
SJ, held another briefing for journalists on Thursday. One of the highlights was the
announcement that the Pope’s personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, will accompany
the Holy Father to Castel Gandolfo and be with him as he enters his retirement, including
during the period of his residence in the monastery inside the Vatican walls. Fr.
Lombardi, SJ, also said that Archbishop Ganswein is expected to continue in his recent
appointment as Prefect of the Papal Household when Pope Benedict’s successor is elected.
Another news development of the briefing was Fr. Lombardi’s confirmation of reports
that Pope Benedict XVI suffered a minor head injury during his trip to Mexico. Fr.
Lombardi denied, however, that the incident was a factor in the Pope’s decision to
resign. “I can affirm,” he said, “that [the injury] was not relevant for the trip
[to Mexico] – indeed, it did not affect the calendar in any way,” nor was it relevant,
“in the decision [to renounce the Papal office] as such.” Listen: