Benedict, 95, became the first pope in approximately 600 years to resign in 2013, assuming the title of pope emeritus.
Pope Francis has stated that his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI is “extremely ill” and has requested the faithful to pray for him so that God may comfort him “till the end.”
Francis did not clarify Benedict’s condition after his public audience when he made the unexpected appeal.
However, according to the Vatican, the 95-year-condition old’s has abruptly “deteriorated owing to age” in recent hours.
In 2013, Benedict became the first pope in over 600 years to resign, assuming the title of pope emeritus.
Since that time, he has resided in the Vatican.
In his speech, Pope Francis requested a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who is silently maintaining the church.
I am reminding you that he is gravely ill
Let’s beg the Lord to comfort him and sustain him till the very end in this demonstration of love to the church.”
Pope Francis visited Benedict following the liturgy.
A spokeswoman for the Vatican stated that Francis is receiving constant medical treatment and that his condition is “under control.”
After devoting his post-papal life to prayer and meditation, Benedict’s health has deteriorated over the past decade.
Cardinals and canon experts have questioned Benedict’s retirement decisions, particularly his decision to continue wearing the papacy’s white cassock.
Benedict’s refusal to return to his birth name Joseph Ratzinger has also been a source of conflict.
Critics assert that these decisions and Benedict’s extended presence at the Vatican have confused Catholics and jeopardized the church’s unity.
They claim that traditionalists have been able to utilize Benedict as a conservative reference point when they disagree with Francis’ actions.
In 2013, Benedict resigned because of his “deteriorating” health.
In his resignation letter, he stated, “After continually examining my conscience before God, I have concluded that, due to my elderly age, I am no longer able to execute the Petrine ministry adequately.”
Pope Francis has requested prayers for Benedict, days after he urged an end to the “senseless” conflict in Ukraine.
In his tenth Christmas blessing, Jesus urged listeners to look past the “shallow holiday glitter” and assist the homeless, immigrants, refugees, and poor.
