Pope Francis has called on Pilgrims at the Vatican to pray for his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI who is very ill.
Pop Benedict, 95, became the first leader of the Catholic Church to stand down in 600 years in 2013 due to advancement in age.
The Pope said the ex-Pope’s health had worsened in recent hours.
Pope Francis who addressed a general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, said Pope Benedict’s health was deteriorating and asked them to offer special prayers for him.
Pope Benedict XVI was 85 when he stepped down in February 2013.
