At the end of his General Audience, Pope Francis asked for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI.
POPE FRANCIS
I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope emeritus Benedict, who in silence is sustaining the Church. Remembering him. He is very sick, asking the Lord to console him, to sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end.
The Vatican Press Office issued a statement describing the Pope emeritus' health. The message states that 'in the last few hours there has been an worsening due to advanced age.' The Press Office emphasizes that the situation 'remains under control, constantly being monitored by doctors.'
Immediately after the Audience, Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery to visit Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.
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TR: KG
