Pope's books arrive at renovated Vatican apartment

Pope Benedict XVI said today he felt like he was surrounded by old friends now that his books have arrived at his newly renovated Vatican apartment.

Benedict thanked the workers who remodelled the third-floor apartment in the Apostolic Palace during a special audience today, praising them for having done so much in just three months.

“I’m convinced that this work would have lasted at least a year or maybe more, becauseI had a small house made for me in Germany and know how long such work takes,” he told the workers.

He apologised that he had not prepared a formal speech that was “worthy of the work you have done” because he had been so busy in recent days, but thanked them “from the heart” in off-the-cuff remarks that were transcribed by the Vatican.

“I can just admire the things you have done, like this beautiful floor,” he said.

“In addition, I particularly like my new library, with the antique ceiling. For me, it’s like being surrounded by friends now that the books and bookshelves have arrived.”

In addition to the library, the renovation included new medical facilities within the apartment for the Pope.

The Italian daily Corriere della Sera also said the kitchen was expanded and modernised and that a special apartment had been prepared for the Pope’s older brother, the Reverend Georg Ratzinger, who currently lives in Germany.