(Newser)
–
Pope Benedict cited deteriorating strength in explaining his exit, and now specifics are becoming clear via the Los Angeles Times. The pontiff has apparently gone blind in one eye, says Peter Seewald, a German journalist and frequent Benedict interviewer. When Seewald saw the pope 10 weeks ago, his hearing had weakened and "his body had become so thin that the tailors had difficulty in keeping up with newly fitted clothes," the journalist said. "I'd never seen him so exhausted-looking, so worn down." Benedict reportedly told Seewald that "the strength is ebbing. I think what I've done is enough." Would he retire? "That depends on how much my physical strength will force me to that."
