The 95-year-old ex-sovereign pontiff Benedict XVI, whose health has deteriorated in recent days, is "currently" in a "stationary" state, the Vatican announced on Friday.

“Last night, the pope emeritus was able to rest well.

And yesterday (Thursday) afternoon he participated in the celebration of Mass in his room,” said the head of the Vatican press service, Matteo Bruni.

Pope Francis announced on Wednesday that his predecessor was "seriously ill" and that he was praying for the one whose resignation in 2013 for health reasons took the world by surprise.

Friday at the end of the afternoon, a mass for his intention must also be celebrated at the basilica of Saint-Jean-de-Latran, in Rome.

In Germany, in the Saint Oswald church in Marktl am Inn, where the former pope was baptized, a photo of Benedict XVI has been installed on a tripod near a baptistery.

“It is his vital functions that are failing, including the heart”

“His health deteriorated about three days ago.

It is his vital functions that are failing, including the heart, “said a Vatican source, adding that no hospitalization was planned, the residence of Benedict XVI having the necessary medical equipment.

Pope Francis himself visited Benedict XVI on Wednesday at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, the residence of the pope emeritus located in the heart of the Vatican gardens.

Joseph Ratzinger has appeared increasingly fragile in recent months, moving around in a wheelchair, but continuing to receive visitors.

The photos of his last visit received, dating from December 1, show a frail and visibly weakened man.



Benedict XVI, whose eight-year pontificate (2005-2013) was marked by multiple crises, was overtaken at the start of 2022 by the drama of pedocrime in the Church, on his management of sexual violence when he was archbishop. from Munich.

Following this controversy, the ex-pope asked for "pardon" but assured that he had never covered up a child criminal.

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