THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The Pope called on Catholics around the world to turn back to God, warning against the perils of "pride and egoism", after the Vatican indicated it may move quicker to appoint his successor.
More than 50,000 cheering well-wishers crammed into St Peter's Square for Benedict XVI's Sunday blessing, the first since his shock resignation – the first in 600 years – and penultimate before stepping down on February 28.
"The Church, which is mother and teacher, calls on all its members to renew their spirit, turn against firmly towards God and ignore pride and egoism to live in love," he told the crowd.
As the sun broke through the clouds over Rome, Benedict waved and thanked the larger than normal crowd "for the prayers and support you have shown me in these days." Speaking in Spanish, he then asked for prayers "for the next pope."
Benedict, 85, has cited failing health for his decision to step down and at the weekend it emerged he may now be blind in his left eye. Peter Seewald, a German journalist who interviewed the pope in December, made the claim.
"His hearing had deteriorated. He couldn't see with his left eye," he said. "His body had become so thin that the tailors had difficulty in keeping up with newly fitted clothes ... I'd never seen him so exhausted-looking, so worn down."
Vatican insiders have also claimed Benedict has been worn down by bitter rivalries within the Holy See which came to light when the pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, leaked papal correspondence detailing alleged power struggles. Gabriele has been pardoned by the pope but sworn never to speak about his thefts. » | Tom Kington, Rome | Sunday, February 17, 2013
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