The Vatican says Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's health is worsening

At the end of the general audience, Pope Francis asked for prayers for Benedict XVI.
"I would like to ask all of you," Pope Francis said, "for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is sustaining the Church. Remember him, he is very ill, asking the Lord to console him and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end."
Benedict XVI, 95, resigned as pontiff on Feb. 11, 2013, and his pontificate ended on Feb. 28, 2013. Since then, except for an initial interlude in Castel Gandolfo, he has lived in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, first participating in some public events at Pope Francis' request, then remaining in the monastery, maintaining constant contact with the outside world, and also receiving the new cardinals created after the Consistory.
Benedict XVI's condition has worsened in the past few hours according to the Holy See Press Office.
"Regarding the health condition of the Pope Emeritus," the statement reads, "for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of this morning's general audience, I can confirm that in recent hours there has been an aggravation due to advancing age. The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly followed by doctors."
The Press Office reports that "at the end of the general audience Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery to visit Benedict XVI. We join him in praying for the Pope Emeritus."

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