Vatican forced to deny sick ‘fake news’ reports that ex-Pope Benedict is close to death
A Facebook post alleged the 90-year-old former pope was "at peace with God" but his personal secretary Father Georg Ganstein has called the claims "pure invention"
THE Vatican has been forced to deny rumours that ex-Pope Benedict XVI is close to death following claims made on social media.
A Facebook post alleged that personal secretary of the 90-year-old former pope said he was "at peace with God".
The post read: "The personal secretary of 90yr old Pope Benedict has stated, 'He's like a candle which is slowly, serenely fading. He is serene, at peace with God, himself and the world.'
"He is unable to walk without assistance and is no longer able to say Mass. Please pray for our beloved Pope Benedict 16th."
In response, Father Georg Ganstein, who is the personal secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedixt XVI, made a statement to the Catholic News Agency whether he said the report was "pure invention".
He said: "It is false and wrong. I would like to know who the author of this is.”
“I have received in the last two days many messages that refer to this phrase, and people are worried.”
Born Joseph Ratzinger on April 16 1927 in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI served as Pope from 2005.
He resigned in 2013 and took up the title Pope Emeritus.
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