The Vatican says retired Pope Benedict XVI's health is worsening

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican to attend the beatification ceremony of Pope Paul VI in 2014. Pope Francis on Wednesday said his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, is "very sick," and he asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff so God will comfort him "to the very end." (Andrew Medichini/AP)

VATICAN CITY — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI 's health has worsened over the past hours due to advanced age and doctors are constantly monitoring his condition, the Vatican said Wednesday, as Pope Francis appealed to the faithful to pray for his "very ill" predecessor "until the end."

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Francis went to visit the frail, 95-year-old Benedict in the monastery on Vatican grounds where he has lived since retiring in February 2013.