Pope Francis asks for prayers for Benedict XVI: 'He is very sick'
The Vatican has confirmed that former pope's state of health is serious. The pope wished his predecessor comfort and support "until the end."
(Cordon Press)
Pope Francis asked his followers to pray for his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who the Vatican confirmed is receiving constant medical care after his health has seriously deteriorated "due to advancing age."
At the end of his weekly general audience at the Holy See, Pope Francis addressed his faithful asking for prayers for the 95-year-old former pope's health. Subsequently, the pontiff repeated his message on social media.
In 2013, Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign in 600 years. One of the most recent photos of the former pope came on Dec. 1, when he met with several theologians and appeared in a delicate state.
Benedict XVI resigned nearly a decade ago citing a lack of physical and mental strength to lead the Catholic Church. Since then, he has been living in a former convent, retired from public life.
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