Pope Benedict has 'no regrets' at resignation year after leaving office

A year after his shock resignation, Pope Emeritus Benedict has no regrets.

In a rare interview the man closest to the Pope, Archbishop Georg Ganswein shed light on how Benedict spends his days, his health and his feelings about his decision to resign.

According to the Independent, Ganswein said Pope Benedict is at peace with himself and even at peace with the Lord after his decision.

Benedict announced his decision to resign, the first pope to do so in 600 years, on 11 February 2013, citing the physical and psychological strains of the papacy.

He stepped down on 28 February and Francis was elected on 13 March 13 as the first non-European pope in 1,300 years.

According to the report, Ganswein, who has been at Benedict's side since before his election in 2005, said the former pope had no regrets about leaving office.

He added that the Pope also held no resentment against his critics who the Vatican says misunderstood him.

He said Benedict spends his time studying, reading, handling correspondence, receiving visitors, playing the piano and praying while taking walks in the Vatican gardens, the report added.