Pope Francis Says Pope Benedict XVI is ‘Very Sick’, Asks for Prayers

At the General Audience in St. Peter's Square today, Pope Francis has said that Pope Benedict XVI is ‘very sick’ and asked for prayers for him.

Francis said:

“I'd like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Emeritus Pope Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the church.

I remind you that he is very sick.

Let's ask the Lord to comfort him and sustain him in this testimony of love to the church to the very end."

No further details are available at this point but we join Pope Francis in praying for Pope Benedict XVI.