On 29 December, the Vatican released a report on the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI detailing how he spent the night and reiterating Pope Francis’ request for prayers.
The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, indicated that “the Pope Emeritus managed to rest well last night, he is absolutely lucid and alert.”
Bruni also specified that “today, although his condition continues to be serious, the situation at this time is stable.”
Finally, he said that “Pope Francis renews his invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult times.”
At the end of the general audience on December 28, Pope Francis requested prayers for the 95-year-old Pope Emeritus because he is “very ill.”