Pope Francis asked a “special prayer” for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “very ill,” on Wednesday, December 28.
“I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who silently sustains the Church,” said Francis at the end of the general audience, turning his eyes away from his text for a moment.
Support him “to the end”
“He’s very ill,” he continued. We ask the Lord to comfort him and support him to the end in this testimony of love for the Church. »
This is the first time Francis has mentioned the health condition of Benedict XVI, 95 years old. The pope emeritus has lived in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican since his resignation in 2013. He regularly receives guests there. The last photos of him are from the beginning of December.
“I can confirm that there has been an aggravation”
“I can confirm that in recent hours there has been an aggravation due to the advancing age (of Benedict XVI),” said press room director Matteo Bruni in a press release sent out late morning.
… an aggravation with advancing age. The situation remains under control for the time being under constant medical supervision. 2/3
— LB2S (@LB2S) December 28, 2022
“The situation remains under control at the moment under the constant supervision of doctors,” he continued.
“At the end of the general audience, Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery to meet Benedict XVI. to visit also added the Vatican. We pray with him for the Pope Emeritus.”