Former pope Benedict XVI is
spending his 91st birthday in the Vatican Monday with his
94-year-old brother Georg, who has come down specially from
Bavaria for the occasion.
The brothers are celebrating in the former monastery of Mater
Ecclesiae, where the former pope retired to on May 2, 2013.
After his renunciation of the papal crown on February 11,
2013, Benedict XVI, who was elected on April 19, 2005, has been
Pope Emeritus since February 28, 2013.
Pope Francis sent birthday greetings early Monday, the
Vatican press office said.
It said Benedict had celebrated his birthday "in a tranquil
family atmosphere".
This evening the Swiss Guards band will play some pieces in
the pope emeritus's honour, the press office said.
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