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Pope Emeritus Benedict on a visit to Bavaria in 2020
Photo: Sven Hoppe / dpa
Pope Francis has called on believers to stand up for his predecessor Benedict XVI.
to pray.
Benedict was "very ill," said Francis at the end of his general audience in the morning.
Francis did not give any further details on Benedict's condition.
"I would like to ask you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who is quietly supporting the Church," Francis said.
The faithful should ask God to comfort Benedict "and sustain him to the end".
Benedict XIV was in office from 2005, in 2013 he voluntarily retired.
It was the first time in centuries that a pontiff had not left office by death.
The 95 is a native German.
Benedict has lived in seclusion in the Vatican for years.
fek/dpa/Reuters