LES COMBES, Italy – Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday that his guardian angel was clearly acting “on superior orders” when he let the pontiff fall and break his wrist this month.
The 82-year-old pope said in a lighthearted tone that: “Perhaps the Lord wanted to teach me more patience and humility, give me more time for prayer and meditation,” the pope added.
The pope thanked law enforcement officials for being “like angels,” as he prepared to depart Les Combes, the Alpine resort where he tripped and hurt his right wrist about 10 days ago while on vacation.
“Unfortunately, my own guardian angel did not prevent my injury, certainly following superior orders,” Benedict said.
The pope had surgery July 17 and spent the rest of his two-week vacation in a cast.
He kept up his limited public schedule and seemed to move with ease, though the injury made writing by hand difficult.
The pontiff had hoped to make progress during the vacation on the second installment of his two-book project on Jesus of Nazareth. The pope, who likes to write by hand, used a tape recorder to collect his thoughts.
He left Les Combes, near the French border, to spend the rest of the summer in Castel Gandolfo, a papal retreat near Rome.
Associated Press – July 29, 2009
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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posted July 29, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Maybe it’s a gently message about the contents of the book.
But far more likely it reflects the fact the pope, and everyone else, have no guardian angels.
posted July 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I almost landed on my tush because I wasn’t watching where I was walking in the mall p.lot this P.M. God wants the Pope to watch where he puts his feet, too.
posted July 29, 2009 at 7:01 pm
“But far more likely it reflects the fact the pope, and everyone else, have no guardian angels”. nnmns
)
Good one,nnmns.
posted July 30, 2009 at 2:36 pm
This is sure some goofy theology from b16.
posted July 31, 2009 at 4:20 pm
The Pope has no Guardian Angel but has received a gentle message from…?
Outwitted yourself yet again.
Attacking faithful people for their faith is fruitless for pagans and atheists. God, everyday faithful folks and the Pope, are all in on something great and glorious.
You watch from outside, writhing in frustration and gnashing your teeth in hate.
Relax. Let it be.
God is.
posted August 1, 2009 at 9:54 am
GC: “Let it be”. Isn’t that a Beatles song?