Jakarta –
Pope Emeritus Benedict (95) is said to be seriously ill. Pope francesco he asked the church to pray for Pope Benedict.
Reported ReutersOn Wednesday (12/28/2022), the Vatican said in a statement that Benedict suddenly experienced a “deterioration” in his health in the past few hours. The Vatican added that Benedict XVI’s condition was “under control” and he was under constant medical supervision.
“I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who is silent,” Francis said in his surprise announcement in Italian at the end of the weekly general audience.
“Let’s remember him. He was very ill, he asked God to comfort him and support him in this testimony of love for this church, until the end,” Francis said.
Francis visited Benedict shortly after the general audience. He also often praised Benedetto saying it was like having a grandfather at home. However, the presence of the two men in white in the Vatican was annoying at times.
Conservatives see the former pope as their standard bearer and some ultra-traditionalists refuse even to recognize Francis as a legitimate pope.
Until a few weeks ago, those who had seen Benedict said his body was frail, but his mind was sharp.
One of the most recent known photos of Benedict was taken on Dec. 1, when he met the winners of the theologian award. He sat down and looked very weak.
Since his resignation in 2013, Benedict has lived in a former convent within the Vatican gardens. He lives with his secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, and many other assistants and medical staff.
Benedict announced his intention to resign on February 11, 2013, shocking a meeting of cardinals. Benedict said he no longer had the physical and mental strength to lead the church.
Then, he formally resigned on February 28, 2013. He then temporarily moved to the papal summer residence south of Rome, while cardinals from all over the world came to Rome to choose his successor.
Francisthe first pope in Latin America, was elected to succeed him on March 13, 2013.
Benedict is the first German pope in 1,000 years, elected on April 19, 2005 to replace Pope John Paul II who ruled for 27 years.
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(lira/week)
