Just the aches and pains of the elderly

Vatican spokesman denies report that Benedict XVI is ill

Pope Francis exchanges a gift with retired Pope Benedict XVI after arriving at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo March 23. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters.

Catholic News Agency reports that Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, says that contrary to a report in the Spanish daily El Mundo, Pope Emeritus 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 CNA on April 10, however, Father Lombardi underscored that Benedict XVI "does not have any illness" and that "this has been certified by his doctors."

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