Following the announcement of Pope Emeritus Benedict's decline in health on Wednesday 28th December, a further update today from the Vatican indicated that he 'was able to rest well overnight'. His condition remains serious but stable and he was reported to be 'lucid and alert'.
At the end of the General Audience on Wednesday 28th December, Pope Francis had asked for 'special prayers' for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who has experienced 'an aggravation of his health due to advancing age'. Pope Francis had asked the faithful to join him in praying for his predecessor, adding: 'May the Lord sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end.'
Following the General Audience, Pope Francis went to Mater Ecclesiae monastery, the residence of Benedict XVI.
Prayers have continued to pour in for Benedict XVI, including from Cardinal Nichols invited the faithful in the diocese to join in prayer with Pope Francis, asking the Lord to 'sustain and console' Pope Emeritus Benedict.
Photo: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk
