April 17, 2014 - Pope Francis on Wednesday wished retired Pope Benedict XVI on his
birthday. Pope Benedict who lives inside the Vatican, turned 87 on Wednesday. Holy
See’s spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi said Pope Francis called Pope Benedict on the
phone to wish him and assured him he prayed for him in a special way at Mass Wednesday
morning. Fr. Lombardi noted that in keeping with the mood of the Holy Week, the
retired Pope chose to pass the day with his usual recollection and prayer without
any special celebration.
Pope Benedict XVI was born Josef Ratzinger on April
16, 1927 in Marktl, Germany. He was ordained priest on June 29, 1951, consecrated
bishop on May 28, 1977 and created cardinal on June 27, 1977 by Pope Paul VI. He
was elected Pope on April 19, 2005 and stepped down from his pontificate on May 28,
2013.