Pope Francis says predecessor Benedict is very illon December 28, 2022 at 11:21 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The Vatican says the ex-Pope’s condition has worsened and Pope Francis asks pilgrims to pray.

Former pope Benedict (R) is greeted by Pope Francis during a ceremony to mark his 65th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood at the Vatican June 28, 2016Image source, Reuters/Vatican

Pope Francis has said former Pope Benedict XVI is very ill and he has asked pilgrims at the Vatican to pray for him.

Benedict, 95, became the first leader of the Catholic Church to stand down in 600 years in 2013, citing advanced age.

At the end of the Pope’s final audience of the year, he asked people to “pray a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict”.

The Vatican then said the ex-Pope’s health had worsened in recent hours.

“The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly followed by doctors,” said spokesman Matteo Bruni.

Pope Francis was addressing a general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall when he looked up from a piece of paper and spoke about his Benedict’s declining health.

He then went to visit him at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where Benedict has lived since he stepped down.

Earlier this month Francis revealed he frequently visited his predecessor.

Speaking of Benedict as a “saint” and a man of high spiritual life, he said the former pope was lucid and had a good sense of humour.

“He speaks softly but follows your conversation,” he told Spanish newspaper ABC.

Benedict XVI was 85 when in February 2013 he surprised Catholics around the world with his decision to step down, less than eight years after he had been elected Pope as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

Not since Gregory XII had stepped down in 1415 had a pope resigned.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

King Charles III: His first few dayson September 11, 2022 at 6:26 am

When the Queen died the throne passed immediately to Charles. We look back on his first moments as King.When the Queen died the throne...

Train drivers to go on strike on 30 Julyon July 14, 2022 at 3:31 pm

Union Aslef says 5,500 workers from eight rail companies will strike on a Saturday over a pay row.Image source, Richard BakerTrain drivers at eight...

Israel Supreme Court strikes down judicial reformson January 1, 2024 at 7:47 pm

The controversial plans triggered nationwide protests last year against Benjamin Netanyahu's government.Image source, Getty ImagesBy Shaimaa Khalil in Jerusalem & Ali Abbas Ahmadi in...

Ground should have been laid for tax cuts, admits Liz Trusson October 2, 2022 at 10:57 am

But the prime minister says she sticks by her mini budget, despite a bad reaction from the markets.This video can not be playedTo play...

European Championships Munich 2022: GB win relay gold after Jake Wightman takes silveron August 21, 2022 at 8:46 pm

Great Britain win men's 4x100m gold at the European Championships after 1500m world champion Jake Wightman wins 800m silver.Great Britain win men's 4x100m gold...