Former Pope Benedict is ‘very sick’, says the Vatican and asks for prayers for the 95-year-old 

Pope Francis has called for prayers for his predecessor, the former Pope Benedict XVI, who he claims is ‘very sick’. 

Francis made the surprise appeal at the end of his general audience at the Vatican this morning, giving no details. 

Benedict, 95, served as the head of the Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State from April 2005 until his resignation in February 2013.

Benedict, who is living in a monastery on the Vatican’s grounds, was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years and cited advancing age as a key factor limiting his capabilities to carry out his papal duties. 

In this Nov. 28, 2020 file photo, Pope Francis (R) hold hands with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (L) as he pays him a visit at the Vatican

Francis has previously hailed the decision of his predecessor to resign amid old age.

It was his stepping down that paved the way for Francis’ election as the first Pope from South America.

Earlier this month, the incumbent Pope revealed that he too submitted a resignation letter soon after his election in 2013 that would take effect should illness prevent him from fulfilling his duties.  

Francis, who turned 86 this year, said he gave the letter to then Secretary of Vatican City State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Pope Francis, 86, revealed that soon after his election in 2013 he submitted a resignation letter that would take effect should illness prevent him from fulfilling his duties

He is largely in good health, though in recent months has struggled with debilitating knee pain that left him in a wheelchair. 

He has since opted to use a cane during public appearances, though played down the affliction in an interview with Spanish newspaper ABC in which he declared: ‘One governs with the head not the knee.’

Francis made the comment when he was asked what happens if health issues suddenly leaves a Pope unable to do his job.

‘In practice there is already a rule,’ Francis revealed, adding, ‘I have already signed my renunciation.’