Rome, Italy, Apr 16, 2018 / 09:25 am
Benedict XVI turned 91 on Monday, celebrating "with his brother Georg in a calm and familiar climate," according to a Vatican statement.
This evening, members of the Swiss Guard band are scheduled to perform in the Mater Eccelsiae monastery in honor of the pope emeritus.
Pope Francis offered Mass in the morning for Benedict XVI, and sent him a greeting afterward, the Vatican said.
Benedict XVI was pope from 2005 to 2013. He shocked the world when he announced his resignation Feb. 11, 2013, citing advanced age and declining strength. On Feb. 28, he stepped down from the papacy. A conclave was called to name his successor, and on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was elected.