According to the Vatican, the former pope is “absolutely alert and lucid” and is in stable condition.

This update is a day after Pope Francis stated that his predecessor, Benedict XVI was “very sick”, and requested people to pray for God’s comfort “to the end”.

Matteo Bruni, a Vatican spokesperson, said that the Pope Emeritus was able rest well last night. He is alert and lucid today, even though his condition is still serious. However, the current situation is stable.

Pope Francis renews his invitation for people to pray for him, and be with him during these difficult times.

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When he asked for prayers for Benedict at the close of Wednesday’s general audience, the current pope didn’t elaborate on his condition.

After the service, the Vatican stated that the condition of the 95-year old had suddenly “worsened because of age”.

A spokesperson for the man said that he was receiving continuous medical care and that his condition was under control.

Benedict was the first pope to resign in 600 years. His health had been deteriorating. The former pontiff took the title of pope emeritus.

Although he has lived in the Vatican for many years and has dedicated his life to prayer, meditation and prayer, he has become increasingly frail over time.

Lawyers and cardinals have raised concerns about Benedict’s retirement decisions, which include his continued wearing the white cassock of papacy.

Another contention was Benedict refusing his return to Joseph Ratzinger, his birth name.

Critics claim that these choices and his presence at the Vatican are confusing for Catholics, and that they threaten unity in the Church.

Traditionalists can use Benedict as a conservative reference point when they are unhappy with Francis’s decisions, according to them.