‘Ask The Lord To Comfort Him’: Benedict ‘Very Ill,’ Pope Francis Speaks

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis has announced that his predecessor, Pope (Emeritus) Benedict XVI is “very ill.”

The 95-year-old Benedict, who stepped down nearly 10 years ago, has been believed to be in poor health, but his successor’s call for prayers for him confirmed the gravity of his illness.

“I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict who— in silence is sustaining the Church. Remember him, for he is very ill,” During his Wednesday General Audience, the pope spoke. “Ask the Lord to comfort him and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end.”

In response to questions from the press regarding the status of Pope emeritus’s health, the Holy See Press Office released a statement through Matteo Bruni.

“Regarding the health condition of the Pope Emeritus, for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of this morning’s general audience, I can confirm that in the last few hours there has been an aggravation due to advancing age,” Bruni stated. “The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly followed by doctors.”

Bruni stated that Pope Francis had left immediately after the Wednesday Audience in order to visit Benedict XVI at the Vatican Gardens.

Benedict XVI resigned as papist in 2013, citing declining health that would prevent him from continuing the active ministry. Despite not having any precedent in the almost 2000 years of Church history’s nearly 2000 years, Benedict accepted the title “Emeritus,” They are not like those of retired bishops.

This month, Pope FrancisThe pope, who is now 86, was asked whether he intended to resign for health reasons. The pope said that he had already submitted a resignation document to the Secretary. He had. past interviews, stated that he would take the title from his predecessor. “Emeritus”But, I was asked this month whether the position of “Emeritus pope” The pope said that it would be a permanent institution. “No. I’ve not touched that at all, nor has the idea crossed my mind. It seems the Holy Spirit has no interest in me taking care of such things.”

Rumors are already flying around the curia as to the state of the Pope Emeritus’ health. The Daily Wire has contacted Archbishop George Ganswein (long-time secretary and caretaker for Benedict XVI) and will continue to monitor developments.