Vatican spokesman denies report that Benedict XVI is ill

Vatican spokesman denies report
that Benedict XVI is ill


Fr.
Federico Lombardi. Credit: Alan Holdren/CNA.

Vatican City, (EWTN News/CNA):
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi says that contrary to a report in the
Spanish daily El Mundo, the Bishop-emeritus of Rome, Benedict XVI, is not
suffering from any illness.
The report in El Mundo by Rocio Galvan quotes
statements made by Spanish Vaticanista Paloma Gomez-Borrero in Madrid during the
presentation of her most recent book.
Benedict XVI has something very serious. In 15
days his physical condition has deteriorated tremendously, that’s the news I
have,” Gomez-Borrero said.
In comments to EWTN News on April 10, however, Fr.
Lombardi underscored that Benedict XVI “does not have any illness” and that
“this has been certified by his doctors.”
<p align="justify">He said he was saddened by Gomez-Borrero's
comments and that the Spanish journalist, whom he has known for many years, “has
begun to speculate after seeing images of a tired Benedict.”
But to say that he has an illness is foolish.
There is no basis for this,” the spokesman said.
As we all know, Benedict XVI led a very engaged
pontificate at his age, and therefore he is enduring the aches and pains of an
elderly person who has worked very hard,” Fr. Lombardi added.