The Pope has said his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI is “very sick” and asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff so God will comfort him “to the very end”.
Pope Francis did not give any details on Benedict’s condition as he made the appeal at the end of his general audience. But the Vatican has said the former pope’s condition has “worsened due to age” in recent hours.
In a brief statement tweeted by the Vatican, they said: “I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him - he is very ill - asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end.”
