Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope Benedict Visits His Hometown, Charming Its Residents

Benedict XVI shook hands Monday with townspeople in his birthplace, Marktl am Inn, Bavaria. He passed through flag-waving crowds for a brief glance at the white-and-yellow house where he was born Joseph Alois Ratzinger, the son of a police officer, in 1927. He spent time in the church where he was baptized, praying with his brother, George, who is also a priest.

New York Times

By IAN FISHER
Published: September 12, 2006

MARKTL AM INN, Germany, Sept. 11 — There were carved wooden busts of the man born here, bishop’s mitre cookies and a Vatican bratwurst suitable for washing down at the Benedict beerhouse. Monday was a day to make the most of, since it is almost certain this town will never produce another pope. It may, in fact, be their pope’s last visit.

“We are very proud of this son of our village,” said Josef Maier, 50, an electrician.

Benedict XVI paid a quick trip here on Monday, passing through flag-waving crowds for a brief glance up at the white-and-yellow house where he was born Joseph Alois Ratzinger, the son of a police officer, on April 21, 1927. He spent time in the nearby church where he was baptized the day he was born, praying with his older brother, George, 82, who is also a priest.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:57 AM