Vatican Announces Former Pope Benedict XVI Is In A Serious But Stable Condition

The Vatican has announced that former Pope Benedict is “absolutely lucid and alert” and that his condition is critical but stable.

The news comes a day after Pope Francis declared Benedict XVI to be “very sick” and urged the faithful to pray for him so that God might comfort him “to the very end.”

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman said: “The Pope Emeritus was able to rest well last night. He is absolutely lucid and alert today, and although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable. Pope Francis renews his invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours.”

Benedict, who resigned from his position as head of the Catholic Church in 2013, making history as the first pope to do so since the Middle Ages, has long struggled with ill health and uses a wheelchair.

Pope Francis raised eyebrows after announcing on Wednesday, during his general audience, that his predecessor, Joseph Ratzinger, was “very sick.”

Francis made a request for prayers for his predecessor before travelling to see Benedict at the Mater Ecclesiae convent in the Vatican gardens, where he resides.

A Vatican source told AFP on Wednesday that the ex-pope’s health started to decline “about three days ago,” and the Vatican later confirmed that it had gotten worse “due to advancing age.”

According to the source, “It is his vital functions that are failing, including his heart” and no hospitalization was anticipated because he has the “required medical equipment” at home.

According to the Vatican, the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome will host a special mass on Friday.

Benedict announced his shocking resignation in 2013, citing deteriorating physical and mental health.

Due to his resignation, Benedict and Pope Francis have coexisted inside the borders of the tiny city-state, which is unprecedented.

Benedict was 78 years old when he succeeded the long-reigning and well-known John Paul II in April 2005.