The health of the German Pope Joseph Ratzinger has apparently deteriorated. Pope Francis appeals to the Vatican to keep 95-year-old Benedict in prayer.
The German Pope Benedict XVI. was the second pope in history to voluntarily resign from office.
(dpa) Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. According to his successor Francis, he is “very ill”. The current pontiff asked the faithful on Wednesday at the end of the general audience in the Vatican for a “special prayer” for the 95-year-old Benedict.
‘Think of him, he is very ill. And ask the Lord to console and support him in this testimony of love for the Church to the end,” said Francis. Francis and the Holy See did not initially give any further details.
Born in Bavaria, whose name was Joseph Ratzinger before he was elected Pope, he has lived relatively isolated in a monastery in the Vatican since his resignation in 2013. For months it was said that Benedikt was physically weak and could hardly speak. Mentally, however, he is fit according to the circumstances.
At irregular intervals, Benedict also received visitors. He is cared for by his longtime companion Georg Gänswein and nuns.