Vatican says health of retired pope Benedict XVI ‘worsening’

Pope Francis earlier asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff so 'God will comfort him to the very end'

Pope Francis hold hands with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as he pays him a visit after the Consistory, with the 13 newly elevated Cardinals, at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. Picture: Vatican Media via AP

The health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has worsened due to his age, and doctors are constantly monitoring the 95-year-old’s condition, the Vatican has said.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis, who asked the faithful earlier on Wednesday to pray for Benedict, went to visit his predecessor in the monastery on Vatican grounds where the retired pontiff has lived since retiring in February 2013.