– I would like to ask you all to pray in a special way for the retired Pope Benedict, who silently supports the Church. Let’s remember him. He is seriously ill, I ask the Lord for consolation and support in this testimony of love for Kocioauntil the end,” Francis said, speaking in Italian.

The outgoing pope spoke the words at the end of Wednesday’s general audience. He gave no details. Reuters Agency tried to contact the Vatican about it, but no one answers the phone at Benedict XVI’s residence in the Vatican Gardens.

Pope Benedict XVI is gravely ill. “The situation is now under control”

“The situation is now under control,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See’s press office. He pointed out that the 95-year-old retired pope was under the care of doctors.

Benedict XVI abdicated in 2013, after less than eight years of pontificate. The official reason for the decision was health. Ratzinger has since lived in the former “Mater Ecclesiae” monastery in the Vatican Gardens

The Pope is in a wheelchair. At the beginning of 2022, the chairman of the board of directors of the Joseph Ratzinger Foundation – Father Federico Lombardi – confessed that Benedict XVI is only able to take a few steps on his own.

More information about the country and the world on the main page of Gazeta.pl

Early December Pope Francis appreciated the role of Benedict XVI as pope emeritus and his contribution to the field of theology. As he said then, “we all feel his spiritual presence and accompanying the whole Church in prayer”.

“It is important to confirm that his theological contributions and reflections continue to be fruitful and effective,” he said.

Benedict XVI in pictures

In November, they appeared on social networks New photos of the retired pope. Benedict XVI was photographed in the Vatican gardens.

“Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on an afternoon walk in the Vatican Gardens,” reads the Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation’s Facebook page. The post was shared on Wednesday, November 9 in the morning.

The previous photo of the retired pope appeared in late October. During the meeting with the American priest, Benedict XVI was obviously tired. Social media users also pointed out that Benedict XVI had lost weight. The 95-year-old pope suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, has an implanted pacemaker and has severe speech problems.

Fri. Agbaw-Ebai also shared what he heard from the retired pope. “Saying goodbye to Benedict XVI was very touching and I will never forget the last thing he said to me when I kissed him goodbye!