The Latest Breaking News from Benedict XVI

THE former Pope is "very sick", his predecessor has said while the Vatican has confirmed his health is declining.

The former pope was once known as ‘God’s Rottweiler’ for his hardline conservative views

Doctors are constantly monitoring the 95-year-old's condition, the Vatican said Wednesday. Pope Francis has asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff.

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"I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict"

Former pope Benedict, who Pope Francis said on Wednesday was "very sick", resigned in 2013, the first pontiff in 600 years to take such a step rather than rule for life.

The world leader of the Roman Catholic church, Pope Francis, has warned that the health of his 95-year-old predecessor, Benedict XVl, continues to deteriorate. The pontiff has called on the faithful to pray for a man who "is very sick".

The health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has worsened due to his age, and doctors are constantly monitoring the 95-year-old’s condition, the Vatican said Wednesday. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis, who asked the faithful earlier Wednesday to pray for Benedict, went to visit his predecessor in the monastery…

The Vatican on Wednesday confirmed that the health of ex-pontiff Benedict XVI, 95, has worsened in the last few hours and he had been visited by Pope Francis, hours after the current pontiff said his predecessor is "very sick" and asked for prayers.

Pope Francis says 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.”

The condiction of the former pontiff Benedict – who resigned in 2013 – has ‘worsened’ in recent hours, according to the Vatican