Lombardi describes rumors about pope's health as "baseless" and "paradoxical"

Via Zenit:

Rumors suggesting that Benedict XVI's health is failing are "baseless," confirmed the Vatican.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, said this in statements to the press after the French newspaper Le Figaro published an article Saturday that raised questions regarding the Pontiff's health. The report also speculated on future successors to the papacy.

The spokesman said the article's assertions, published less than one week after the Pontiff ended his five-day apostolic trip to the United States, were "paradoxical.”

“Benedict XVI is well and it is paradoxical that doubts about his health are being manufactured precisely after his return from his demanding trip [to the U.S.], during which his schedule was not lightened in any way, and given the obvious joy with which the Pope responded to the welcome he received,” he said.

Exactly, if anything, Pope Benedict appears to have gained energy and vigour since becoming Pontiff. He was positively spry during some events. I was exhausted trying to keep up with everything he was doing during those five days. Like Pope John Paul II, he appeared to draw energy from his loving audience and the importance of his mission (the grace attached to the office of Peter's successor, I'm sure, helps as well).

At the same time, however, I think the Vatican significantly damaged its credibility on the issue of the pope's health during the many declining years of Pope John Paul II. During which, despite obvious signs to the contrary, the press office often claimed that he was in good health. Do I think they hide this pope's health issues? No. But a few extra prayers sure couldn't hurt in any case.

Correction: LC founder Maciel died in Houston, TX

In my original post for this story, I cited anonymous claims that Legionaries of Christ founder Marcial Maciel died in Naples, Florida. Such is not the case, as the AP reports:

The founder of 1 of the fastest-growing Catholic religious orders, who was disciplined because of sex abuse allegations, has died in Houston.

Mexican priest Marcial Maciel ... died yesterday [Jan. 30] of natural causes.

He was 87.

Details come from his order, the conservative Legionaries of Christ.

Officials say Maciel died where he lived in a group home with other Legionaries priests.

Apologies for the earlier mis-identification. That post will also now be revised.