How to write a letter to Pope Benedict XVI as the former head of the Catholic Church falls ill
Former Pope Benedict XVI, now known as the Pope Emeritus, is ‘very sick’, according to current Pope Francis.
The 95-year-old became Pope in 2005, but resigned in 2013 due to his age and ‘deteriorating’ health – in a surprising and controversial move, as Popes don’t typically resign their posts.
The previous leader of the Roman Catholic Church is experiencing health issues, a Vatican spokesperson has said, explaining that his condition is ‘under control’, but has worsened due to ‘advancing age’.
No doubt some will want to contact him by mail to send their prayers and well wishes.
There is no direct way of writing a letter to the Pope Emeritus, however, you can send a letter to The Vatican, using the following address:
Apostolic Palace
00120 Vatican City
The former pontiff is often believed to live in a Vatican City monastery, called the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.
Vatican News also lists this home address for the current Pope Francis:
Casa Santa Marta
00120 Vatican City
If you’re writing to either Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI or Pope Francis, you should use the style His Holiness before his name on the envelope. Inside the letter, you can use Your Holiness.
If you aren’t sure about writing a letter, you may decide to pray instead.
Pope Francis did indeed call for prayers for his predecessor during a December 28 service.
According to various sources, he said (translated from Italian): ‘I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is sustaining the church.
‘Remember him – he is very ill – asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end.’
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