The condition of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. has not changed overnight according to a report by news agency Ansa. The 95-year-old is in poor health, but the situation is stable.
The agency reports this in response to nameless persons who were in contact with the former monastery Mater Ecclesiae in the Vatican Gardens. Benedikt has lived there in relative isolation since his retirement in 2013 and is now permanently monitored and cared for by doctors.
On Thursday, there was initially no official report from the Vatican. Incumbent Pope Francis caused a sensation on Wednesday when he announced that his predecessor was “seriously ill” and that the faithful should pray for the German. This gave many the impression that the Bavarian was dying.
The Holy See then announced that the health of the Papa Emeritus had deteriorated in recent days, but that the situation was under control. Many Catholics around the world followed Francis’ call to pray for Benedict. (SDA/chs)