Pope Francis Emotionally Asks for Prayers for Ailing Pope Benedict XVI: "Very Sick"

Pope Francis Emotionally Asks for Prayers for Ailing Pope Benedict XVI: "Very Sick"

  • The Roman Catholic leader has asked the faithful to pray for the retired Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI so God will comfort him
  • Pope Francis said his predecessor was very ill but he did not elaborate on the condition of Benedict
  • Benedict lives in a convent on Vatican grounds and has become increasingly frail in recent years as he dedicates his post-papacy life to prayer

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Pope Francis has said his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI is "very sick" and asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff so God will comfort him "to the very end".

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI
Pope Francis emotionally asks for prayers for ailing retired Pope Benedict XVI:"Very sick"
Source: UGC

Seeking special prayers

Francis did not elaborate on Benedict's condition as he made the surprise appeal at the end of his general audience.

Benedict became the first pope in some 600 years to resign in 2013, with the former pontiff taking the title of pope emeritus. Since then, he has been living in the Vatican.

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

It was not clear if he was speaking about the 95-year-old's health in general or if his predecessor had some illness.

Seeking details

A Vatican spokesperson, queried about Benedict's condition, said the press office was seeking more details.

Benedict has become increasingly frail in recent years as he dedicates his post-papacy life to prayer and meditation.

Some cardinals and canon lawyers have questioned Benedict's decisions on retirement, including his decision to continue wearing the white cassock of the papacy.

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Another point of contention has been Benedict refusing to revert to his birth name Joseph Ratzinger.

Critics say those choices and Benedict's continued presence in the Vatican have been confusing for Catholics and threaten the unity of the Church.

Tinubu hails Bishop promoted by Pope Francis as cardinal

In a previous report via Legit.ng, the 2023 presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke who got promoted to a cardinal in the Catholic church.

Tinubu in a statement described the promotion as well-deserved while thanking Pope Francis of the Vatican for approving Okpaleke’s elevation in the Catholic ministry.

As contained in the statement, the APC stalwart stated that the promotion also proved that catholicism in Nigeria was waxing stronger.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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Nkem Ikeke (Copy editor) Nkem Ikeke is currently a copy editor who also writes for the politics and current affairs desk on weekends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010), and has over 10 years of work experience in the media industry (Reporter, News Agency of Nigeria). Email: n.ikeke@corp.legit.ng

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Olumide Alake (Entertainment Editor) Olumide Alake is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with 6 years of experience in news media. He holds an awarded certificate from the Editorial CDS during his service year. He has worked with some online media outfits notable are Naijaloaded, Jaguda, Kemifilani. Olumide bagged an award for the best exclusive article at Legit.ng and Best Entertainer Editor 2023. Contact: olumide.alake@corp.legit.ng