Benedict XVI: Health Deteriorated Quickly

The health problems of Benedict XVI, 95, began on Christmas Day with unexpected breathing difficulties, Ansa.it writes, but he declined hospitalisation.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein had planned to spend the end of the year in his hometown of Riedern. Before Christmas, visitors observed that Benedict was weak and had difficulty speaking, but was fully conscious and could make himself understood. LaNuovaBq.it writes Wednesday that he still had moments of lucidity.

On Thursday, journalists and cameras gathered in St Peter's Square. Unlike the death of John Paul II (+2004), there are no crowds and no prayer vigils.

#newsOucrjalrlr