On Wednesday, December 28, Pope Francis, during his last year of public service in the Vatican, told the pilgrims the sad news. He urged them to pray for Benedict XVI.
“I want to invite you all to offer a special prayer for the retired pontiff Benedict, who silently supports the Church. I remind you that he is very ill. I urge you to beg the Lord to comfort and support him, Francis said.
Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stressed that the health of 95-year-old Benedict XVI had recently deteriorated greatly. He explained this to the elderly pontiff at rest.
Bruni did not provide any details. He noted that the situation remains under control, doctors are monitoring the health of Benedict XVI. Bruni added that Francis visited his predecessor at the former convent in the Vatican Gardens, where Benedict XVI has been living since his abdication in 2013.
Recall that Benedict XVI became the first head of the Catholic Church after Gregory XII, who voluntarily renounced this position. Gregory XII did this in 1415. After the abdication of the Holy See, Benedict hardly appeared in public. It is extremely rare that the Vatican publishes photographs of him and Francis.
Benedict’s departure was seen around the world as a sensation, almost unique in the Catholic Church. However, Francis made it clear in July of this year that he was considering doing so.
“Change of the Pope is not a catastrophe, it is not a taboo”, the pontiff told reporters in July. “The doors are open – this is a normal option. But so far I have not knocked on that door. I didn’t feel the need to think about it, but that doesn’t mean I won’t think about it in a few days.” Francis added. Previously, the Pope has repeatedly complained that the state of health does not allow him to work as before.
Earlier reported that Francis called Russia’s attack on Ukraine the third world war.
Source: Fakty
