Pope Francis says former Pope Benedict is gravely ill

Former Pope Benedict XVI is reportedly in critical condition, and Pope Francis has urged Vatican visitors to pray for him.

In 2013, Benedict, 95, became the first pope to resign from his position in 600 years, citing advanced age.

The Pope urged attendees at his final audience of the year to "pray a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict" at the conclusion of the meeting.

The Vatican then declared that the ex-condition Pope's had gotten worse recently.

According to spokesman Matteo Bruni, "the issue is currently being closely monitored by doctors and is under control."

In the Paul VI hall of the Vatican, Pope Francis was giving a general audience when he looked up from a piece of paper and mentioned Benedict's failing health.

A short distance from the audience hall in the Vatican Gardens, he next went to see Benedict in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where he has resided since he resigned.

Reference: Pope Francis says predecessor Benedict is very ill | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64107730