VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis asked for prayers for former pope Benedict on Wednesday, saying he’s “very sick”.
Francis made the surprise appeal at the top of his general audience, giving no details.
Benedict, 95, in 2013 became the primary pope in some 600 years to resign. He has been living within the Vatican since then.
“I would really like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the Church. Allow us to remember him. He may be very sick, asking the Lord to console and sustain him on this witness of affection for the Church, until the top,” Francis said, speaking in Italian.
There was no immediate comment from the Vatican on the state of Benedict’s health, and phone calls to his residence within the Vatican weren’t answered.