Pope Francis asked for prayers for former pope Benedict on Wednesday, saying he is "very sick". Francis made the surprise appeal at the end of his general audience, giving no details.
Benedict, 95, in 2013 became the first pope in some 600 years to resign. He has been living in the Vatican since then.
"I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the Church. Let us remember him. He is very sick, asking the Lord to console and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end," Francis said, speaking in Italian.
There was no immediate comment from the Vatican on the state of Benedict's health, and phone calls to his residence in the Vatican were not answered.
Saudi Arabia, US launch strikes on Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq
Major wildfire stabilises in central Spain but rising temperatures bring new alerts
Rescuers in Japan haul survivors from collapsed mall as earthquake toll rises to 13
Two Greek firefighters killed as wildfires strike further east in Europe
Trump cites 'good' talks on Iran, reiterates threat to hit targets
