Former Pope Benedict XVI is 'depressed by retirement', says Vatican insider By Emily Fox May 3, 2013 BENEDICT XVI has become depressed since he retired as Pontiff, Vatican insiders have claimed. The 86-year-old Pope who stepped down to make way for younger Pope Francis= is said to be suffering from a sense of deflation - a similar sense felt by busy working people who suddenly stop work. [He didn't step down 'to make way for younger Pope Francis' specifically, but for someone more able to carry the burden of the Papacy than an 86-year-old with the increasing physical disabilities that are inevitable at his age]. According to an aide [Really? Which aide, since he only has Mons. Gaenswein and the Flemish deacon now as 'aides', neither of whom would be so stupid as to talk indiscreetly about Benedict, whose privacy they are there to serve and preserve!], he has been in a low mood, which has been compounded by failing health. Whispers in the Loggia, the Catholic gossip blog written by Vatican observer Rocco Palmo claimed Benedict had not been at his best in recent weeks and has been reminiscing of the past. The former Pope moved back to the Vatican yesterday to take up residence with current Pope Francis. It is the first time in Vatican history that two popes have resided within the walls...