Pope Francis asks for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, saying the retired pontiff is "very sick." RELATED: https://bit.ly/3WT2zVD Pope Francis is asking the faithful for their prayers as the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI worsens. Speaking on Wednesday, Francis departed from his prepared remarks to announce that Benedict is "very sick." He didn't elaborate on the condition of Benedict, 95. » Subscribe to USA TODAY: http://bit.ly/1xa3XAh » Watch more on this and other topics from USA TODAY: https://bit.ly/3jo7WgP » USA TODAY delivers current local and national news, sports, entertainment, finance, technology, and more through award-winning journalism, photos, videos and VR. #pope #catholic #christian