Because of You, 2.2 Million Students Are Being Formed in the Faith
Because of generous supporters like you, Catholic Online School has already delivered free, faithful Catholic education to over 2.2 million students across 193 countries. In an age of noise and algorithms, you are helping form souls with truth, prayer, Scripture, and Christ.
If everyone who reads this gave just $5 — the cost of a coffee — we could reach even more families and keep this life-changing formation free for all. Be Courageous. Be Catholic. Stand with us today.
DONATE TODAY >Secretary denies Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is close to passing
FREE Catholic Classes
Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the personal secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has rejected reports that the former pontiff is nearing death.
Pope Emeritus Benedict is not close to passing, as some have claimed.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
10/18/2017 (8 years ago)
Published in Living Faith
Keywords: Catholic News, Benedict XVI
Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - Rumors of Benedict XVI being close to death circulated on social media following a quote attributed to Ganswein, which reads, "Pope Benedict is like a candle that fades slowly. He is serene, at peace with God, with himself and the world. He can no longer walk without help and can no longer celebrate Mass."
However, Archbishop Ganswein called this quote "pure invention."
"It is false and wrong! I would like to know who the author of this is," he said, according to German media outlet kath.net.
"I have received in the last two days many messages that refer to this phrase, and people are worried," he said.
Last week, Ratzinger's brother was at the Vatican to visit, and he has now returned home, Ganswein confirmed, adding, "Both had a good time."
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Come Grow With Us
Sign up and walk the Catholic journey with millions around the world.
Receive inspiring emails on saints, daily readings, and free faith-building resources—no cost, ever.
Who is forming our children—algorithms or Christ?
Watch Sister Sara's Message Now
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary
Copyright 2026 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2026 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.