Pope Francis requests prayers for his predecessor, Pope Benedict, and says he is “very ill” | world News

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Pope Francis said his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was “very ill” and asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff so that God would rest him “until the end.”

Francis did not explain Benedict’s condition when he made the surprise appeal at the end of his general audience.

Benedict, 95, became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign in 2013, with the previous pontiff assuming the title of Pope Emeritus.

Since then, he lives in the Vatican.

“I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who silently supports the Church,” Pope Francis said in his remarks.

I remind you that he is very ill.

“Let us ask the Lord to comfort and support him in this testimony of love for the Church to the end.”

It was not clear if he was talking about Benedict’s health in general or whether his predecessor was suffering from some illness.

A Vatican spokesperson, asked about Benedict’s condition, said the press office was seeking details.

Benedict became increasingly vulnerable in recent years as he devoted his life after the papacy to prayer and meditation.

Some cardinals and ecclesiastical lawyers have questioned Benedict’s decisions on retirement, including his decision to continue wearing the white papal mantle.

Another point of contention was Benedict’s refusal to revert to his birth name, Joseph Ratzinger.

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Critics say that these choices and the continued presence of Pope Benedict in the Vatican confuse Catholics and threaten the unity of the Church.

Traditionalists have been able to use Benedict as a conservative reference point when they were unhappy with Francis’ decisions, they say.

Benedict resigned in 2013 due to his “failing” health.

In his letter of resignation, he said, “Having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, on account of my advanced age, are no longer suited to the proper exercise of the Petrine ministry.”

Pope Francis asked for prayers for Benedict, days after he called for an end to the “foolish” war in Ukraine.

In his tenth Christmas blessing, he said people should look beyond the “shallow holiday glamor” and help the homeless, immigrants, refugees and the poor.

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