Vatican is forced to admit Pope Emeritus Benedict's health has worsened following reports 'he will not be with us much longer' | Mail Online

It was revealed in March that Pope Benedict had had a pacemaker fitted about ten years ago, and that a replacement had been fitted soon before he announced his retirement - while his eyesight is also thought to be deteriorating.

Pope Benedict's health was also called into question by some commentators in 2010 during his gruelling state visit to Britain when he attended huge events across the country.

'At his final public appearances, it was evident that he was having difficulty walking. He started using a cane about a year ago. The overall decline has been steady, there's no doubt about it,' one insider told The Telegraph.