Concern continues after it was revealed that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. (95) is seriously ill. His health has apparently not deteriorated in the past few hours. Benedict "was able to sleep well last night," the Vatican press office reported in the early afternoon of December 29, according to "Vatican News."

Joseph Ratzinger, like Pope Benedict XVI. His real name was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from April 2005 to February 2013. He was "completely awake and mentally present," the statement continued. However, Benedict's state of health remains "serious", even if "the situation is stable at the moment". Pope Francis (86) therefore renewed his call to pray for the sick and to accompany him on this path.

The day before, Francis had said at his general audience in the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI. "very ill". He had asked the faithful to support Benedict in prayer. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni (46) later confirmed that Benedict's condition had deteriorated in the past few days. Doctors are taking care of the emeritus pope and the situation is currently "under control".