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Interests[]
Pope Benedict is known to be deeply interested in classical music,[1] and is himself an accomplished pianist.[2] He has a grand piano in his papal quarters. The Pontiff's favorite composer is Mozart, of whose music the Pope said: "His music is by no means just entertainment; it contains the whole tragedy of human existence."[3] Benedict also stated that Mozart's music affected him greatly as a young man and "deeply penetrated his soul."[3]
Pope Benedict has recorded an album of contemporary classical music in which Benedict sings and recites prayers to the Virgin Mary.[4] The album was set for release on 30 November 2009.
Pope Benedict is also known to be fond of cats.[1] As Cardinal Ratzinger he was known to look after stray cats in Rome. A book called "Joseph and Chico: A Cat Recounts the Life of Pope Benedict XVI" was published in 2007 which told the story of the Pope's life from the feline Chico's perspective. This story was inspired by a real orange tabby Pentling cat, which belonged to the family next door.[5] During his trip to Australia for World Youth Day in 2008 the media reported that festival organizers lent the Pope a grey cat called Bella[6] in order to keep him company during his stay.[7]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Pope Benedict's creature comforts
- ↑ Infoplease.com |accessdate=2009-10-17
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Mozart: Catholic, Master Mason, favorite of the pope, National Catholic Reporter". Findarticles.com. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1141/is_38_42/ai_n26705248. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ↑ Music Album retrieved 8/02/2009
- ↑ Did the Aussies give the pope a cat for company? |publisher=ap.google.com
- ↑ "Pope's smitten with a kitten". News.com.au. 2008-07-14. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24015355-421,00.html. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ↑ "Pope rests with piano and cat ahead of World Youth Day". Afp.google.com. 2008-07-13. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iCVZy8nzclwYUHEVtFpVM7LOLY8w. Retrieved 2009-05-06.