Fears grow for health of ex-pope Benedict

Fears grew for the health of pope emeritus Benedict last night after a visiting German cardinal expressed shock at how thin he had become since resigning.

Archbishop of Cologne Joachim Meisner revealed Benedict had shed so much weight in recent weeks that he was now only “half his previous size”.

Cardinal Meisner’s comments once again raise concerns for the deteriorating health of Benedict, which has been a source of constant speculation since his shock resignation from the Seat of St Peter on Feb 28.