Former pope Benedict XVI is “lucid and alert” and his condition remains serious but stable, the Vatican said Thursday, the day after revealing the 95-year-old’s health had deteriorated.
Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pope since the Middle Ages to resign as head of the worldwide Catholic Church, has been in fragile health for many years and uses a wheelchair.
But on Wednesday, Pope Francis raised eyebrows by saying in his general audience that his predecessor, Joseph Ratzinger, was “extremely unwell.”
The Vatican press office stated on Thursday that although the Pope Emeritus’ condition is very severe, he was able to get a good night’s sleep and is completely conscious and awake today. According to Daily trust.
Prior to visiting Benedict at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery on the premises of the Vatican, Francis had requested prayers for him.
A Vatican source informed AFP on Wednesday that the ex-health pope’s started to decline “around three days ago,” and the Vatican later confirmed that the ex-condition pope’s had gotten worse “due to advancing age.”
The source claimed that “it is his critical functions that are deteriorating, particularly his heart,” adding that there were no plans to admit him to the hospital because he already has the “required medical equipment” at home.
From the United States to Benedict’s own Germany, Catholic leaders from all around the world pledged to pray for him in response to the news.
A few faithful braved the chilly morning on Thursday to attend mass at the medieval cathedral in Regensburg, where the previous pope lectured at the university from 1969 to 1977.
As a big image of the pope emeritus rested on the altar, Regensburg’s auxiliary bishop addressed the congregation, “I am asking you to accompany Benedict on his final trip.”
While this was happening, many tourists to St. Peter’s Square were reflecting on the late pope.
Even if he’s old, I’m sorry. The church will lose a piece of history, said instructor Agnese, 40.
The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome will host a special mass on Friday, according to the Vatican.
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