Pope Francis announced on Wednesday that his 95-year-old predecessor Benedict XVI was “ seriously ill and that he prayed for the one whose resignation in 2013 for health reasons took the whole world by surprise.
The Vatican confirmed on Wednesday the worsening state of health of former Pope Benedict XVI, 95, as announced by the sovereign pontiff, Pope Francis. The Vatican said the German theologian remained under medical supervision and had been visited by his successor Francis.
” I can confirm that in the past few hours there has been an aggravation due to his advanced age. The situation remains under control for the moment, constantly monitored by doctors. “, announced in a press release the director of the press service of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni.
At the end of his weekly general audience, Pope Francis said: I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict. To keep his memory alive, because he is seriously ill, to ask the Lord to console and sustain him. »
Resigned in 2013 for health problems
Since then, Benedict XVI has lived in a monastery located in the heart of the Vatican gardens. Until a few weeks ago, those who had seen him claimed to have found him physically weakened, but with a still sharp mind.
The pope emeritus, whose real name is Joseph Ratzinger, resigned from office in 2013 due to failing health. He claimed at the time that he no longer had the physical and mental strength to lead the Catholic Church. A resignation that made him the first pope to voluntarily leave office in 600 years.
The German theologian had been elected pope on April 19, 2005 to succeed the very popular John Paul II, who had remained in office for 27 years. Contacted by AFP, the Vatican did not provide further details on the health of Benedict XVI.
(With AFP)