UPDATE: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is lucid, conscious and stable but his condition remains serious, the Vatican says.
“Pope Francis renews the invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours,” he said.
Most Vatican experts expect any funeral would resemble that for any retired bishop of Rome, albeit with the caveat that there would be official delegations to honor a former head of state, as well as pilgrims from Germany — homeland of Benedict, the former Joseph Ratzinger — and beyond. Otherwise, while the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano headlined its Thursday editions with news of Benedict’s health, life continued as normal in the tiny city-state that Benedict and Pope Francis call home.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vatican asks for prayers for ‘very ill’ Pope Emeritus Benedict“I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who is sustaining the church in silence,” Francis said. “Remember him — he is very ill — asking the L…
Read more »
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is ‘very ill’ and condition is 'worsening': VaticanPope Francis asked for prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, saying his predecessor is “very ill.”
Read more »
Pope Emeritus Benedict is 'very sick,' Pope Francis revealsPope Francis announced Wednesday during his general audience that his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has taken a sudden turn for the worse.
Read more »