The Basilica of St. John Lateran will host a special Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Friday in the afternoon.
Following an unexpected deterioration in the 95-year-old pope emeritus’ health, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis made the announcement about the Mass on December 29.
At the conclusion of his general audience on December 28, Pope Francis pleaded for prayers for Benedict XVI, who is “in quiet, maintaining the Church” while being “extremely unwell.”
Later that day, the Vatican declared Pope Benedict was receiving medical attention as a result of a deterioration in his health.
The Vatican provided a further health update for Benedict XVI on Thursday.
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni on December 29, “The Pope Emeritus was able to rest well last night, he is fully coherent and awake, and today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at this time is stable.”
In response to Pope Francis’ request, Cardinal De Donatis, the Vicar of Rome, issued a statement on Thursday morning inviting Rome’s Christian communities to “join in prayer for Benedict XVI.”
“Let us accompany our dear bishop emeritus in his period of sorrow and trial in the celebration of Holy Masses today and in the coming days,” he urged.
Bishop Guerino Di Tora, vicar of the cardinal archpriest of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, will officiate at the Mass on December 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Pope Francis resides at the Lateran basilica, which serves as the cathedral of Rome.
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