Vatican: Benedict in stable condition, participated in Mass

By NICOLE WINFIELD and FRANCES D’EMILIO
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — The Vatican says Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is in stable condition and was able to participate in Mass in his room amid a deterioration in his health. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Friday that “last night the Pope Emeritus was able to rest well. Bruno added that Benedict “also participated in the celebration of Holy Mass in his room yesterday afternoon” and that his condition is “stationary.” Pope Francis revealed on Wednesday that his 95-year-old predecessor was “very ill” and that he went to see him in his home in the Vatican Gardens. Benedict in 2013 became the first pope in 600 years to resign. He chose to live out his retirement in seclusion in a converted monastery in the Vatican.