Benedict XVI
According to the Vatican, things are going well given the circumstances.
"The Pope Emeritus recovered well last night, he is absolutely lucid and awake, and today his condition, while still serious, is stable," said Matteo Bruni, spokesman for the Holy See, on Thursday.
Pope Francis continues to invite the faithful to pray for the 95-year-old German "in these difficult hours," as it was said.
The Vatican is planning a service for the seriously ill Pope Emeritus in the Roman Lateran Basilica on Friday.
The Mass will be led at 5:30 p.m. by Guerino Di Tora, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus in Rome and Archpriest of the Basilica, as the Vatican announced.
The incumbent Pope Francis will not be present.
People around the world are praying for Benedict XVI.
Former Pope Benedict XVI.
is seriously ill.
In the past few days, the 95-year-old man's health has deteriorated significantly, according to the Vatican.
Italian media reported health that had been deteriorating for days - from severe breathing problems to a weakened heart.
On Thursday morning, the Italian news agency Ansa reported that the condition of the Pope Emeritus had not changed compared to the previous day.
She cited sources in contact with people at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens, where the pope emeritus has lived in relative seclusion since his resignation in 2013.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed these details.
Benedict XVI wanted to go to a hospital.
not be brought, reported several media;
This is also supported by the fact that Pope Francis visited him on Wednesday in his apartment in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery.
Francis had previously called for prayer for the pope emeritus.
Catholics around the world are following the call.
Diocese and bishops' conferences in Germany, the USA, Poland and France, for example, are asking for support for the 95-year-old Benedict via social networks.