In a letter to Italian journalist Massimo Franco of Corriere della Sera, charged with the task of presenting Pope Benedict XVI expressions of concern about his well-being five years after resigning from the Papacy, the retired Pope wrote that he is in the last phase of his life, and while his physical strength might be waning, he is surrounded by a “love and goodness” that he never imagined.
“I can only say that at the end of a slow decline in physical strength, inwardly I am in pilgrimage home,” Benedict XVI said.
He further stated that “it's a great grace for me to be to be surrounded in this last piece of the road, which is at times a bit tiring, by a love and goodness that I could never have imagined.”
The retired Pontiff said he considers the questions and concerns of the readers part of the love he has experienced, and sees them as “an accompaniment” on the last phase of his life.
“Because of this,” he said, “I cannot but be thankful, on my part assuring you all of my prayers. Best regards.”
Of course, we keep Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in our prayers asking the Lord to be with him and to lead him gently and gracefully to the blessings of eternal life when at last his life’s journey is ended.
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