Pope Emeritus Benedict’s ‘situation stays critical,’ Vatican says

Rome and London — A day after information broke that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s well being had deteriorated inside hours, Vatican officers up to date Thursday that he was “completely lucid and alert.”

“His situation stays critical, however his present scenario is secure.

The Vatican additionally renewed a name from the present pope to hope for the previous pope.

On Wednesday, Bruni stated “the present scenario is below management and is consistently being monitored by medical doctors,” including, “I’ve been in a position to verify that there was an age-related deterioration in the previous few hours.”

The remark got here after Pope Francis requested for prayers at his morning viewers for 95-year-old Benedict.

“I ask everybody to hope for Pope Benedict, who silently helps the Church,” the pope stated.

Francis visited his predecessor, who resigned in 2013, on the Mater Ecclesia Monastery later within the day, Bruni stated Wednesday.

“We be part of him in praying for Pope Emeritus,” stated Bruni.

The Vatican final launched video footage of Benedict in August, when the latest cardinal visited Benedict as a part of a practice that has continued since Francis turned Pope.

Benedict’s situation reportedly worsened within the days earlier than Christmas, in accordance with Italian information company ANSA, citing “certified sources.” reported that he started to undergo from “system issues”.

Benedict spent Christmas within the Vatican’s former Martell Ecclesier Abbey mansion, and Christmas Mass was celebrated for him in a small chapel at his house, ANSA reported.

Joe Simonetti of ABC Information contributed to this report.