Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI ‘very sick’, says Pope Francis

Liberal incumbent pope asks God to comfort and support retired conservative pope until ‘very end’

Pope Francis has said his retired predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, is “very sick” and asked for God to comfort him until “the very end”.

The pontiff did not reveal the nature of the illness affecting Benedict, but towards the end of his audience on Wednesday, said: “I would like to ask for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the church, I remind you that he is very sick. Let’s ask the Lord to comfort him and support him in this testimony of love for the church until the end.”

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