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Pope in "Good Mood", "Dictating Thoughts", says Fr Lombardi
22-07-2009
(22 Jul 09 - RV) For ten days, Pope Benedict XVI has been enjoying the quietness of Les Combes, Valle d'Aosta, high in the Alps.
A period of rest that has been to some extent signed by the wrist injury that the Pope suffered Friday last, forcing him to change a few habits and personal programs.
However, the Pope is enjoying the natural beauty offered by the landscape around his wooden chalet, while in the capital city of Aosta preparations for Friday are underway, when pope Benedict XVI will preside over Vespers in the cathedral of the city.
Father Federico Lombardi Director of the Holy See Press Office is in Les Combes with the Pope and described the Holy Father as "well" and "in a good mood". He says the Pope is "learning how to live with a wrist in plaster and has been equipped with a small recorder to dictate his thoughts, as he is unable to use a pen with ease these days".
Fr Lombardi adds that the Pope is "also in regular communication by telephone with his brother", with whom he has a close relationship. In a few days, his brother, Msgr Georg Ratzinger, "will be at Castelgandolfo to spend the weeks of August together with the Pope, as has been customary in past years".
The Holy Father continues to make a short walk after lunch and in the late afternoon, enjoying the "great serenity and tranquillity" offered by this mountain location.
On Wednesday, Cardinal Bertone came to visit has spent the past week in his native village of Romano Canavese before returning to Rome Thursday morning.
This meeting between the Pope and Secretary of State is also part of the holiday tradition, so as to keep the Pope updated regarding problems concerning the current government of the Church.
Fr Lombardi noted that this fraternal moment culminated with Cardinal Bertone lunching together with the Pope.
Meanwhile final touches are being put to the Popes' next public appointment on Friday the Holy Father will travel to Aosta by car and weather permitting he will be greeted in the central square of the town by a delegation of local authorities. From there he will travel through the centre of the city, passing through the ancient Pretoria gateway to the cathedral. There he will preside over the celebration of Vespers with the priests, religious, and lay representatives of the diocese. The Pope will deliver his homily in Italian and French - both languages are used in the Italian region. Following the celebration, the Pope will emerge from the cathedral onto a small stage from where he will greet the faithful unable to find room in the cathedral. Finally, on his return to Introd, he will also visit and greet guests of a local retirement home.
http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=304302
