(ANSA) - The pope's private secretary, the object of intense interest from Italian housewives in recent months, has gone on holiday to a mystery location in his native Germany.
Don Georg Gaenswein, 49, has worked tirelessly alongside Benedict XVI since his election in April. Even during the pontiff's summer break in the Alps, the suave-looking priest from Freiburg was there to cater to the pope's every need.
But now Vatican sources say he has left Benedict's side for two weeks. Don Georg's holiday destination is a closely-guarded secret, although it is rumoured to be in the Black Forest area of southern Germany.
The secretary's absence was noticed at the general audience in St Peter's square on Wednesday. In his place in the white 'pope-mobile' was a former assistant of the late John Paul II.
Ever since he was thrust into the limelight back in April, Don Georg has attracted attention and admiration. Many Italian women noted that he resembled the handsome priest in a popular 1980s TV drama. He has also appeared on the cover of at least one Italian weekly, which outlined his theological and sporting prowess. Marketing experts declared him a great "asset" for the pope.
When Benedict met Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi in June, the head of state's wife was also reportedly keen to know all about the secretary, complimenting him on his command of Italian and his youth.
