Vatican City, Dec 29, 2022 / 06:35 am (CNA).
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition is serious but stable, the Vatican said on Thursday.
“The Pope Emeritus was able to rest well last night, he is absolutely lucid and alert and today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable,” Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni told journalists Dec. 29.
“Pope Francis renews his invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours,” the spokesman added.
Pope Francis, at the end of his general audience on Dec. 28, asked for prayers for a “very ill” Benedict XVI, who, “in silence, is sustaining the Church.”
The Vatican confirmed later the same day that Benedict was under medical care following a decline in his health.
The Diocese of Rome announced it will offer a special Mass for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on Dec. 30.
If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity!
Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.
Prayers and thanksgiving for his selfless, dedicated service. May the Lord be very close at this time of transition!
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Psalm 72:14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.
Psalm 37:32-33 The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The Lord will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.