Ex-Pope Benedict 'slowly, serenely fading'

The personal secretary to Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has said that his health was 'slowly, serenely fading' - claims which the Vatican was keen to temper, the Daily Mail has reported.

In an interview published on Thursday in Italian magazine BenEssere, personal secretary Georg Gänswein said the former pope was 'an old man, of course, but very lucid. Unfortunately, it's become difficult for him to walk and he needs to use a walking frame'.

Benedict XVI, whose real name is Joseph Ratzinger, will turn 89 in April. 'He's like a candle which is slowly, serenely fading. He is serene, at peace with God, himself and the world,' said Gänswein.

According to the UK based newspaper, the personal secretary to Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has said that his health was 'slowly, serenely fading' - claims which the Vatican was keen to temper.

In an interview published on Thursday in Italian magazine BenEssere, personal secretary Georg Gänswein said the former pope was 'an old man, of course, but very lucid. Unfortunately, it's become difficult for him to walk and he needs to use a walking frame'.

Benedict XVI, whose real name is Joseph Ratzinger, will turn 89 in April. 'He's like a candle which is slowly, serenely fading. He is serene, at peace with God, himself and the world,' said Gänswein.