Pope Francis asks for prayers as predecessor Pope Benedict is 'very sick'

Pope Francis has said his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI is "very sick" and asked the faithful to pray for the retired pontiff so God will comfort him "to the very end".

Francis did not elaborate on Benedict's condition as he made the surprise appeal at the end of his general audience.

But the Vatican has said the 95-year-old's condition suddenly "worsened due to age" in recent hours.

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