Pope turns 85, Vatican say leads Church with 'strength' Benedict to celebrate seventh anniversary as pontiff Thursday

The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI is leading the Catholic Church with "great strength" on Monday as the German pontiff turned 85.

Benedict's apparent frailty has prompted speculation that he could take the extremely rare step of resigning as pope. But Federico Lombardi, the head of the Holy See's Press Office, suggested this is not the case.

"The Church is celebrating with joy as birthday greetings arrive from all over the world," Lombardi told Vatican radio.

"This pope is leading us with great strength, kindness and faith and therefore he is a gift from God".

Benedict celebrates his birthday three days before the seventh anniversary of his election as pope to replace John Paul II.

President Giorgio Napolitano expressed "friendship and esteem" on behalf of the Italian people in his birthday greeting to Benedict.