Former Pope Benedict's condition remains grave but stable: Vatican

“The Pope Emeritus managed to rest well during the night, he is absolutely lucid and aware,” said a Vatican spokesman

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's condition remains "grave" but stable, the Vatican said on Thursday, adding in a statement that the former head of the Roman Catholic Church had rested well during the night and was lucid and aware.

"The Pope Emeritus managed to rest well during the night, he is absolutely lucid and aware, and today, even though his condition remains grave, the situation is at the moment stable," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

"Pope Francis renews his request to pray for him and to accompany him in these difficult hours," Mr. Bruni said of the 95-year-old former pontiff.

The diocese of Rome has scheduled a special Mass in honor of Benedict on Friday at St. John Lateran, Benedict’s former basilica in his capacity as the bishop of Rome.

(With inputs from AP)