Title: Pope John Paul II Is Near Death
editor - April 2, 2005 08:40 AM (GMT)
Vatican: Pope John Paul II Is Near Death
40 minutes ago Europe - AP
By VICTOR L. SIMPSON, Associated Press Writer
VATICAN CITY - Lighting candles, kneeling on cobblestones and weeping, tens of thousands of faithful prayed and sang until the early hours Saturday outside Pope John Paul II's apartments, watching the top-floor windows for clues about his health. The pontiff was reported near death, his heart and kidneys failing.
Around the world, priests readied Roman Catholics for the passing of the 84-year-old pope. Many expressed hope that his final hours would be peaceful.
"Now he prepares to meet the Lord," Cardinal Francis George said at a Mass in Chicago. "As the portals of death open for him, as they will for each of us ... we must accompany him with our own prayers."
rosie - April 2, 2005 01:29 PM (GMT)
said a prayer for the pope, i was born roman catholic , but now i call myself a born again christian. but the pope was a lovely man a saintly man. hope he is not suffering to much.
editor - April 2, 2005 01:46 PM (GMT)
I have to agree with you. I was never Catholic, but Pope John Paul was a man of peace.
No new news.
editor - April 2, 2005 03:11 PM (GMT)
Pope Losing Consciousness, but Not in Coma
1 hour, 31 minutes ago Europe - AP
By VICTOR L. SIMPSON, Associated Press Writer
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II showed the first signs of losing consciousness at dawn on Saturday, the Vatican said, as priests around the world prepared the Roman Catholic faithful for his passing.
But John Paul, 84, was not in a coma and opened his eyes when spoken to, papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.
The pope's health began deteriorating Thursday after he suffered a urinary tract infection. In its latest statement the Vatican, which earlier described his heart and kidneys as failing, said his condition was unchanged and "very grave."
Navarro-Valls said the pope was still speaking late Friday but did not take part when Mass was celebrated in his presence Saturday morning.
"Since dawn this morning there have been first signs that consciousness is being affected," he said.
"Sometimes it seems as if he were resting with his eyes closed, but when you speak to him, he opens his eyes," Navarro-Valls said.
editor - April 2, 2005 08:08 PM (GMT)
The Pope has passed away.
rosie - April 2, 2005 09:42 PM (GMT)
just after hearing the pope has passed away, the bells are tolling here in newry. a lot of heartbroken people tonight.