Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Nov. 9, 2022 | Photo: Rome's Secretariat of the Major Archbishop of the Greek Catholic Church.

The Vatican confirmed on Wednesday that the health of pope emeritus Benedict XVI is deteriorating, but says he is stable and under medical care, Catholic News Agency reports.

Holy See Press Office director, Matteo Bruni reportedly told journalists early that Benedict’s health has worsened due to old age.

“I can confirm that in the last few hours there has been a worsening due to advancing age. The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly followed by doctors,” Matteo said.

Bruni added that Pope Francis went to visit the 95-year-old at his residence in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, after his general audience on Wednesday morning.

Pope Francis had asked for prayers for Benedict XVI at the end of his weekly public audience.

“I ask to all of you a special prayer for the pope emeritus Benedict, who, in silence, is sustaining the Church,” he said as quoted by the Catholic News Agency.

“Remember him — he is very ill — asking the Lord to console him and to sustain him in this testimony of love for the Church until the end.”

In its statement, the Vatican said it joins Pope Francis “in praying for the pope emeritus.”