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Is Benedict XVI OK? Former pope, 95, being constantly monitored by doctors as his health is 'worsening'

The Vatican said on December 28 that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's health has gotten worse as a result of his advanced age

VATICAN CITY: The Vatican said on Wednesday, December 28, that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's health has gotten worse as a result of his advanced age and  his condition was being closely watched by medical professionals. Pope Francis, who earlier in the day requested prayers for Benedict from the faithful, visited the monastery where the retired pontiff has resided since his retirement in February 2013, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

According to CNN, in a written statement, Bruni stated, “Regarding the health conditions of the emeritus pope, for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of his general audience this morning, I can confirm that in the last hours, a worsening due to advanced age has happened. The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly monitored by doctors.” 

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Meanwhile, after his visit, Pope Francis addressed the general public in a Vatican auditorium to announce that Benedict is "very sick" and urged the faithful to pray for the former pope. “I’d like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Emeritus Pope Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the church,″ Francis said in remarks near the end of an hour-long audience. ”I remind you that he is very sick,” he remarked. 

As expected several users on social media also came out and prayed for the former pope. One person wrote, “Get well soon 🙏” “God’s will be done. May you have peace, dear Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” another added. Someone wrote, “Prayers for the healing of Pope Benedict.” “Prayers to the ex-pope,” another added. “Let's say one Hail Mary for the health of Pope Benedict XVI,” yet another user remarked. 

Benedict, whose real name is Joseph Ratzinger and who is from southeastern German state of Bavaria, became leader of the Catholic Church in 2005, to succeed the widely popular Pope John Paul II, who reigned for 27 years. He shocked a gathering of cardinals on February 11, 2013, when he announced his resignation. He claimed he was no longer mentally and physically capable of leading the church. On February 28 of that year, he officially announced his resignation. While cardinals from all over the globe gathered in Rome to elect his successor, he temporarily relocated to the papal summer house south of the city. 

With his secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, a few other aides, and some medical personnel, Benedict has been residing in a former convent inside the Vatican gardens since his resignation. Meanwhile, it was earlier revealed that Benedict said his body was very frail but his mind was still sharp. On December 1, when Benedict visited the recipients of a prize for theologians that bears his name, he appeared quite frail while seated. On March 13, 2013, Francis, the first pope from Latin America, was chosen to succeed him.