Pope Francis asks for prayers for ex pope Benedict, who he says is 'very sick'

Pope Francis, left, with his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI. Photo: AFP

Pope Francis asked for prayers for former pope Benedict, saying he is "very sick".

Francis made the surprise appeal at the end of his general audience, giving no details.

#PopeFrancis at general audience asks people to pray for retired Pope Benedict XVI "who is very sick, asking God to console and sustain him in his witness of love for the church until the end." pic.twitter.com/qVjMqCsv37

— Cindy Wooden (@Cindy_Wooden) December 28, 2022

Benedict, 95, in 2013 became the first pope in some 600 years to resign. He served as pope from 2005 to 2013.

Benedict has been living in the Vatican since then under the title of "Pope Emeritus", and is the longest-lived person to have held the office of pope.