Pope Francis wishes retired Pope on 87^th birthday

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.