Pope Francis says his predecessor Benedict is 'very ill,' asks for prayers.
Pope Francis has called for prayers for his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who he said was "very sick" at the age of 95.
As part of his weekly general audience, Francis asked for a "special prayer" for the German ex-pontiff, who stepped down due to ill health on February 11, 2013, becoming the first pope to resign in 600 years.
In response to journalists' questions following Francis' comments, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Benedict's condition has deteriorated due to his age in the last few hours.
Bruni added that the situation at the moment “remains under control" and Benedict is being "followed constantly by the doctors."
After his weekly audience, Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery to visit the ailing Benedict.
