Vatican: Benedict's grave illness not true

Perhaps Borrero was opportunistic in her reporting. And, many wanted to get a scoop on this story by resorting to unsubstantiated news. Rumors may be untrue, but at 86, how long do you really think the pope emeritus has to live, with or without serious illness?

One would think the press officer for the Holy See, Jesuit Father Lombardi, would just tell the world what constitutes the effects of old age and not dodge any possible issue there may be. The Vatican only officially claimed that John Paul had Parkinson's following his death. Is the same going to be true with Benedict? Why do we have to be so circumspect with Benedict's health. Reality never is divisive nor is it to be feared. Privacy aside --he lost privacy the day he was ordained a deacon in 1950-- he is the former spiritual father of the Catholic Church, and we ought to walk with Benedict in a prayerful way.