Video: A Day In The Life of Pope Benedict (Updated with translation!)

Update: Now with English translation (see below)!


Update: Thanks to reader Eric for asking his German professor father-in-law to provide us with a rough translation! I recommend opening up the video link in a separate page and scrolling through the translation as it plays. Here it is:

"Normally, one does not get a glimpse of the Pope's private quarters. On the day after his election, the Pope opens the doors which had been sealed since the death of Pope John Paul. It was here that JP II worked and lived and made world history for 27 years. Now two years after Benedict's election we get to enter the quarters and get a glimpse of his daily routine.

Shortly before 7:00 am his day begins with daily mass said for his two secretaries, his chamberlain and for housemaids.

Following mass the Pope spends some time alone in silent meditation--it is a time for him to say "Dear God, you know me" -- it is time for him to relax and be alone with God.

After breakfast he begins his daily paperwork--here he signs the document appointing a new bishop--setting the course for the future of the Church.

Now the first official guest of the day arrives in the courtyard. Benedict leaves his quarters and goes downstairs. Here the Pope grants his guest an official audience. Today it is the Egyptian President Mubarak. After the initial formalities, the official conversation begins.

Commentator: The Pope is very careful not to overextend himself; he governs his energy and tries to remain relaxed. He knows when he needs to take a break.

Lunch preparation in the Papal kitchen: While the Pope continues his official discussion, the cooks are busy prepare the lunch meal. Lots of fruit and vegetables--the Pope likes a light cuisine. And expensive china--gold rimmed plates and glasses--with the Papal coat of arms.

Outside on St. Peter's Square, thousands of faithful wait for the Pope. The final preparations for the midday prayer--the Angelus--Benedict has written his own text--immediately before he appears at the window, he remains calm--then the curtains begin to move and he approaches the podium--the Angelus is carried live on Italian TV--the Pope is speaking to millions--after the brief homily and greetings in various languages, the Pope gives his blessing.

After the 20-minute Angelus it is time for the noon meal. The Pope enjoys lunch today with the house theologian. John Paul loved having many guests at meals and hearing news and the latest from Poland. The theology professor Josef Ratzinger followed the great communicator Karel Wowtilwa--Benedict prefers lunch with a small circle of persons--he was a professor who enjoyed privacy and eating alone.

Afterwards time for a brief walk in the garden terrace of the roof of the Apostolic Palace. A few moments of recuperation among the flowers and citrus fruits.

After that Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone arrives and is ushered in. Afternoons are set aside for discussions with the leading members of the Curia. Having worked as colleagues before, now Bertone, the second man in the Vatican, works with the Pope to set Church policy.

Commentator: For many of us it was a bit strange at first to speak with a Pope whom we had worked with so many years as a colleague, but Benedict made all of that very easy for us.

Closing up in the Vatican--all the doors must be locked for the night. The Swiss Guard take care of the Pope's security.

In the private quarters, the Pope and his secretaries watch the news on TV from all over the world. He then often goes into his office to finish up some work. The lights are still on in the quarters until about 11:00 pm -- then a long day ends."

Thanks again to Eric et. al. for this wonderful service.

(Now, if someone wanted to re-edit the video with these subtitles included ....)