The Pope emeritus began his new life and, during his first night away from the Vatican, «had a quiet night’s sleep». «He seemed to me relaxed and peaceful», Father Federico Lombardi said, talking about Benedict's personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, with whom he spoke on the phone.
Benedict XVI prays, reads, watches television and goes for walks. In the evening, he watched news coverage of his final day and «he was very appreciative of the reports which covered his last few intense moments», Lombardi told.
His first day. As usual, he woke up early. He celebrated Mass at 7 a.m., recited the breviary and then he had breakfast. Father Lombardi does not know what kind of food His Holiness Benedict XVI is eating these days, but «he must have eaten what was available», he said with a smile by suggesting that the Pope emeritus remains humble. In the morning, he had lunch with his personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, and at 4 p.m. he went for a walk trough the gardens of Castel Gandolfo palace, saying the rosary.
Later in the day he replied to some of messages sent to him from around the world but he also find some spare time for reading. The Pope emeritus brought with him «several books of theology, spirituality and church history». He also brought compact discs of classical music and is expected to resume playing the piano. «Benedict XVI is an elderly person but he is in good health», Father Lombardi reaffirmed. «Lately, he seems a little more tired. Sometimes he uses a walking stick: he feels safer, even though he doesn’t need it», he assured.
(translated from Italian by Luna De Bartolo)
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