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ILL: Pope John Paul II
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Pope 'close to death'
1/ 4/2005
CATHOLICS across the world were today praying for the Pope as the Vatican spoke of the "grave condition" of the Pontiff and said he appeared close to death.
He is suffering from heart failure and "is fading serenely," said Polish Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur, a close friend.
Amazingly, he celebrated Mass from his bed at 6am today.
A Vatican spokesman said although the Pope was in a "very serious" condition, he was conscious and made the sign of the cross.
An earlier statement said that "the Holy Father is conscious, lucid, and serene".
But the Holy See denied reports that the 84-year-old pontiff was in a coma in his Vatican apartment after refusing hospital treatment.
The Pope's fragile health took a sharp turn for the worse last night as he developed a high fever caused by an infection. After initially stabilising, his condition then deteriorated further, the Vatican said.
John Paul, who has Parkinson's disease, suffered heart failure during treatment for a urinary tract infection.
Sacrement
The Pontiff was seen by the Vatican medical team, and provided with "all the appropriate therapeutic provisions and cardio-respiratory assistance". The Vatican confirmed previous reports the Pope had received the sacrament for the sick and dying yesterday evening.
Formerly called the last rites, the sacrament is often misunderstood as signalling imminent death. It is performed, however, not only for patients at the point of death, but also for those who are very sick - and it may be repeated.
Heart failure occurs when the heart no longer has the strength to pump blood through the body, and is a sign that the body's cardiac system is failing.
After a pope dies, cardinals from around the world are called to Rome to chose a successor at a conclave which starts in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. The present papacy has lasted for 26 years.
In hospital twice last month following two breathing crises and with a tube placed in his throat to help him breathe, John Paul has become a picture of suffering.
When he appeared at his apartment window on Wednesday to bless pilgrims in St Peter's Square, he managed to utter only a gasp.
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
I cant imagine the devestation in rome and everywhere i am very sad and think it wont be the same. John Paul II carried out the role superb for years
1/04/2005 at 14:25
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Was BBC right to let Wossy back to work?
Whoever is to take his place will have to work hard to equal what this great man has done.
1/04/2005 at 21:52
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