Vatican City, Apr 16, 2012 / 10:59 am
Pope Benedict XVI marked his 85th birthday by reflecting on his final years as he celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving in the Vatican’s Pauline Chapel.
“I find myself on the last stretch of my journey in life, and I don’t know what is awaiting me,” said the Pope in his homily.
“I know, however, that the light of God exists, that he is risen, that his light is stronger than any darkness, that God’s goodness is stronger than any evil in this world. And this helps me go forward with confidence.”
Pope Benedict was born and christened Joseph Alois Ratzinger on Holy Saturday, April 16 1927. At today’s Mass, he thanked his parents for giving him the gift of life and baptism on the same day.