Pope Francis asks for prayers for Benedict XVI who is 'very ill'

Pope Emeritus Benedict pictured greeting Pope Francis on his 91st birthday in 2018.

Source: Vatican News

At the end of the General Audience today Pope Francis asked for "special prayers" for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI "who is very ill." He said: "May the Lord sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end".

The Holy See press office director confirmed there has been an aggravation in his conditions but said the situation is stable. Answering questions put to him by journalists, the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni confirmed that "In the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age."

He added that the situation "at the moment remains under control," and that the Pope Emeritus is constantly monitored by doctors.

Bruni also said that after the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican where Benedict XVI resides.

"We join him in prayer for the Pope Emeritus," Bruni said.

The Vatican has published this prayer today:

Let us pray
Almighty and Eternal God
You are the everlasting health of
those who believe in you.
Hear our prayers for your sick servant Benedict
for whom we implore the aid
of your tender mercy.

Through Christ our our Lord. Amen

On 8 February 2022 retired Pope Benedict said: 'Quite soon I shall find myself before the final judge of my life, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings, and is thus also my advocate. My Paraclete.

In light of the hour of judgement, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death. In this regard I am constantly reminded of what John tells us at the beginning of the Apocalypse: he sees the Son of Man in all his grandeur and falls at his feet as though dead. Yet He, placing his right hand on him, says to him: Do not be afraid ! It is I …' ( cf Rev 1:12-15)