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Ex-Pope Benedict (archive picture from 2008) about deceased companions: "I hope that I can join them soon"
Photo: ZUMA Press / IMAGO
The Regensburg Cistercian Father Gerhard Winkler was a close companion of Benedict XVI. In the 1970s he taught and researched together with the future Pope, who was then still called Joseph Ratzinger, at the University of Regensburg.
On the death of his former professor colleague, the Pope emeritus showed his longing for earthly death and a reunion with friends in the afterlife.
In a letter of condolence for the theologian, who was also a professor emeritus for church history at the University of Salzburg, Benedict XVI wrote: “Now he has reached the afterlife, where many friends are certainly waiting for him.
I hope to be able to join them soon. "
Benedict recalls cheerfulness and deep piety
The condolence letter is dated October 2nd and was made public by the Cistercian Abbey of Wilhering in Austria.
Winkler died at the end of September at the age of 91 - and was younger than Benedict XVI when he died.
it is today.
The now 94-year-old ex-pontiff was "deeply affected" by the news from Austria.
“Of all my colleagues and friends, he was closest to me.
I was always drawn to his cheerfulness and his deep faith. ”This was followed by the passage in which Benedict expressed his hope that he would“ soon be able to join ”in the afterlife.
The former Pope has lived in a monastery in the Vatican Gardens since he resigned from office in February 2013.
Last year his brother Georg Ratzinger died in Bavaria.
Before his death, Benedikt traveled back to his homeland to see his brother in Regensburg.
It was the first time since his retirement that Benedict XVI.
was back in his homeland.
Georg Ratzinger was the last close family member of the Pope emeritus.
It was only in September that his private secretary, Georg Gänswein, revealed that, contrary to medical advice, Benedikt had "dragged himself to Regensburg with his last bit of strength."
apr / dpa
