Vatican City - Concluding the General Audience today, Pope Francis asked for “special prayers” for Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI “who is very ill.”

The director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni confirmed to the Press 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.

"May the Lord sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end", said Pope Francis to the faithful gathered for the General Audience.

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.
-VN