VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict has thanked Catholics for lots of good wishes for his birthday and the fourth anniversary of his election to the papacy.
The Pope says he wanted to use his appearance to pilgrims at the papal vacation retreat in Castel Gandolfo, a hill town southeast of Rome, to express gratitude for the many greetings he received for his 82nd birthday on April 16, as well as for Easter.
Benedict also noted that Sunday is the fourth anniversary of his election to the papacy.
The Pope thanked God for the "chorus of so much affection," saying he never feels alone.
Recently, his papacy has been stung by criticism, including for his decision to lift excommunication for a renegade bishop who had denied the Holocaust.
