File photo of Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Vatican Media)
By Linda Bordoni
Dec 29 2022
At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.” The Holy See Press Office director confirms there has been an aggravation in his health condition but says the situation remains stable.
Concluding the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis invited the faithful to say a “special prayer” for his 95-year-old predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Advanced age
Answering questions put to him by journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed, “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.
Mr. 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,” Mr. Bruni said. – Vatican News
