VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis said that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is very sick after a deterioration in his health condition. “I want to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict who sustains the Church in his silence. He is very sick,” Francis said during his general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday. It is reported that Pope Francis visited his 95-year-old predecessor.

Although the details of Benedict XVI’s illness was not clarified, it is reported that he is being treated by expert doctors. Benedict XVI resigned as Pope nine years ago in 2013 citing advanced age. He has continued as Pope Emeritus since then. He was elected Pope in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II. Benedict XVI is the first pope in the Vatican's 600-year history to resign.