Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI left Italy for the first time in seven years last week, traveling to Germany to visit his ill brother, Georg. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry explains the challenges travel poses for the emeritus pope and why Benedict returned to the Vatican after only a few days.

Since it is Colleen and Gerry’s last episode together before the summer break, the two also look ahead to the next few months. Gerry explains how the Pope spends his summers, and Colleen and Gerry discuss what’s next for the Vatican’s ongoing coronavirus response and the long-awaited Vatican report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

Inside the Vatican will release a few special episodes this summer, beginning with an interview next week with researcher Phyllis Zagano about the two papal commissions to study women deacons.

Finally, don’t forget to take our Inside the Vatican listener survey!

Links from the show:

• Benedict XVI makes surprise visit to gravely ill brother in Germany
• Benedict XVI returns to Vatican after visiting his brother in Germany
• Podcast: What does the pope do on vacation?
• Inside the Vatican Listener Survey

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