Coffin at house of ex pope's brother in Germany

Описание: (1 Jul 2020) The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who earned renown in his own right as a director of an acclaimed German boys' choir, has died at 96.
The Regensburg diocese in Bavaria, where Ratzinger lived, said that he died on Wednesday.
His death came just over a week after Benedict made a four-day visit to Regensburg to be with his ailing brother.
Born Jan. 15, 1924 in the Bavarian town of Altoetting, Georg Ratzinger showed an early talent for music, playing the church organ at age 11.
Ordained on the same day as his brother, Ratzinger proved to be a talented musician and went on oversee the recording of numerous masterpieces and concert tours around the world by the Regensburger Domspatzen, a storied choir that traces its history back to the 10th century.
But his reputation was tarnished as he apologised for using corporal punishment to discipline boys amid a wider investigation into sexual and physical abuse in the Church.  
He remained extremely close to his brother throughout his career, expressing dismay when Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope that the stress would affect his health and that they would no longer spend so much time together.
As Ratzinger's health failed, his brother came to Regensburg in mid-June to visit with him.
Benedict's trip to Germany was his first trip outside Italy in over seven years.
Benedict greeted old neighbours and prayed at his parents' grave.
He stayed at a seminary during his trip, visiting his brother twice a day.
Ratzinger's only close living relative is Benedict.
Their sister Maria, died in 1991.  
There was no immediate word on funeral arrangements.

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