Benedict XVI's 90 years: 'I am grateful to God'

Benedict XVI birthday party 2017 April 17 CNA Credit LOR Benedict XVI enjoys a beer at his 90th birthday party at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, April 17, 2017. | L'Osservatore Romano.

At his birthday party on Monday, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI told his guests that "My heart is full of gratitude for the 90 years which the good God has given me."

The April 17 gathering at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery was held in observance of Benedict's 90th birthday, which fell on Easter Sunday, the day prior.

Some 50 guests from his homeland of Bavaria were present, including his elder brother, Fr. Georg Ratzinger.

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