From the CBC Website
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/200...pope050201.html
Pope hospitalized with breathing difficulties
Last Updated Tue, 01 Feb 2005 19:07:01 EST
CBC News
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II has been taken to hospital "as a precaution" after complications developed from a case of flu, the Vatican has confirmed.
The Pope, 84, was taken to Rome's Gemelli Hospital late Tuesday night, just three days after it was announced he had flu and was forced to cancel all of his appointments.
"The influenza which has affected the Holy Father for three days is complicated this evening with acute breathing problems ... for this reason it was decided to urgently hospitalize [the Pope]," said a statement from Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.
Pope John Paul has been in poor health for many years, but he has seldom let that get in the way of his official duties. He regularly says mass and greets pilgrims who travel to the Vatican.
Just over two years ago, while celebrating his 25th anniversary as head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope told tens of thousands of people gathered in front of St. Peter's Basilica that God wanted him to continue as leader in spite of his poor health.
"He, while knowing my human fragility, encourages me to respond with faith ... and He invites me to assume the responsibilities that He himself has entrusted to me," the Pope said at the time.
Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Krawkow, Poland, was elected pontiff by his fellow cardinals in 1978.
The Pope has Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurological disorder. Observers have long suspected it has been the cause of his trembling hands and slurred speech.
He had a tumour removed from his intestines in 1992, has knee and hip problems and also suffers from the effects of being shot in an assassination attempt in 1981.
Full Version: Update on the Pope
you know, no matter what you think of the faith, more people could/should look up to him because he refuses to let the problems in life sidetrack him. I think we'll have him around for a few more years.
After my dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons and was going through a down period, I pointed out to him that the Pope also had Parkinsons (my dad is very Catholic for those who don't know), and that if the Pope could keep doing what he does every single day, then it wasn't likely that the disease could run him down. That seemed to pull him back up.
At any rate, since I myself was brought up in a Catholic household and within the tenents of the faith, no matter my own spiritual path and direction, I still view the man with high regard. That and the fact that clearly NOTHING stops him, or so it seems
He has my own prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery.
At any rate, since I myself was brought up in a Catholic household and within the tenents of the faith, no matter my own spiritual path and direction, I still view the man with high regard. That and the fact that clearly NOTHING stops him, or so it seems
He has my own prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery.
I havent even watched the news today so this is the first time i'm hearing this, I admire his strength so much...my wishes and prayers are with him for a full recovery
The Catholic Church, under the direction of the Pope, has done much good in this world. Pope John Paul II is a good man and I respect him despite belonging to a different faith.
I agree with you on that Aloha. As far as I know, Pope John Paul II was different and was a man with an impact.
Another article with some more information (registration may be required....it's free)
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...tacodalogin=yes
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...tacodalogin=yes
I'm afraid he's on his way out. There was a mention on CNN last nite that they are treating this illness much more seriously than they have with his other illnesses.
Although I have had my issues with this Pope, he HAS done his job to the best of his ability. I feel sorry for the next appointed Pontif.
I hope the Lord will take his devoted servant home and release him from his worn-out body.
Although I have had my issues with this Pope, he HAS done his job to the best of his ability. I feel sorry for the next appointed Pontif.
I hope the Lord will take his devoted servant home and release him from his worn-out body.
Some more updates:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...tacodalogin=yes
(registration required...it's free)
From the CBC Website
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/200...pope050202.html
rest of story at link
From CNN (Yay! They canned the annoying Bow-Tie boy! )
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/02/02...alth/index.html
rest at link
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...tacodalogin=yes
(registration required...it's free)
QUOTE
ROME - Pope John Paul had a restful night after being rushed to hospital with breathing problems and the situation is now ``calm," a Vatican spokesperson said today.
The Vatican said tests show the Pope’s heart and breathing indicators are normal but he will spend a few more days in the hospital.
"I'm going home, the situation is calm," papal spokesperson Joaquin Navarro-Valls told reporters after spending about an hour at the hospital, adding the Pope had "just a little fever."
Navarro-Valls was elaborating on a terse medical bulletin issued by the Holy See.
Navarro-Valls said that as he was leaving the hospital, the pope's secretary was celebrating mass in the hospital room and that Pope John Paul was concelebrating from his bed.
More at the link aboveThe Vatican said tests show the Pope’s heart and breathing indicators are normal but he will spend a few more days in the hospital.
"I'm going home, the situation is calm," papal spokesperson Joaquin Navarro-Valls told reporters after spending about an hour at the hospital, adding the Pope had "just a little fever."
Navarro-Valls was elaborating on a terse medical bulletin issued by the Holy See.
Navarro-Valls said that as he was leaving the hospital, the pope's secretary was celebrating mass in the hospital room and that Pope John Paul was concelebrating from his bed.
From the CBC Website
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/200...pope050202.html
QUOTE
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II will spend a few more days in hospital but his condition has stabilized after an overnight stay for respiratory problems, the Vatican said Wednesday.
The 84-year-old pontiff was rushed to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic Tuesday when his three-day-old flu worsened.
"Today there is no reason to be alarmed," papal spokesperson Joaquin Navarro-Valls told reporters outside the hospital Wednesday, adding that the hospital admission was mainly precautionary.
He said tests showed the Pope's heart and breathing were within "normal limits."
The Pope never lost consciousness but rested for several hours during the night and required respiratory assistance therapy, said Navarro-Valls. The Pope had some breakfast Wednesday morning and was celebrating mass from his bed.
The 84-year-old pontiff was rushed to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic Tuesday when his three-day-old flu worsened.
"Today there is no reason to be alarmed," papal spokesperson Joaquin Navarro-Valls told reporters outside the hospital Wednesday, adding that the hospital admission was mainly precautionary.
He said tests showed the Pope's heart and breathing were within "normal limits."
The Pope never lost consciousness but rested for several hours during the night and required respiratory assistance therapy, said Navarro-Valls. The Pope had some breakfast Wednesday morning and was celebrating mass from his bed.
rest of story at link
From CNN (Yay! They canned the annoying Bow-Tie boy! )
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/02/02...alth/index.html
QUOTE
ROME, Italy (CNN) -- Pope John Paul II's condition stabilized Wednesday morning following overnight hospital treatment for an acute respiratory infection, a papal spokesman said.
The pope -- who was rushed to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic around 11 p.m. Tuesday -- will remain there "a few days," according to a Vatican radio report.
After sleeping several hours, the pope ate breakfast, drank coffee and celebrated Mass with his private secretary in his hospital room, spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.
"Today there is no reason to be alarmed," Navarro-Valls said.
Although the pope has "a little fever," medical tests conducted early Wednesday showed his heart and breathing were within "normal limits," he said.
A source close to the Vatican confirmed to CNN that the pope received a flu shot before the flu season began last fall.
The pope -- who was rushed to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic around 11 p.m. Tuesday -- will remain there "a few days," according to a Vatican radio report.
After sleeping several hours, the pope ate breakfast, drank coffee and celebrated Mass with his private secretary in his hospital room, spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.
"Today there is no reason to be alarmed," Navarro-Valls said.
Although the pope has "a little fever," medical tests conducted early Wednesday showed his heart and breathing were within "normal limits," he said.
A source close to the Vatican confirmed to CNN that the pope received a flu shot before the flu season began last fall.
rest at link
On our local news this morning they were interviewing a Jewish Rabbi who had the pleasure of meeting the Pope recently. He said that he had never been in the presence of another human being who just radiated an energy of love and kindness.
Latest Update
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/200...alth050205.html
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/200...alth050205.html
QUOTE
Pope to deliver weekly blessing
Last Updated Sat, 05 Feb 2005 12:58:47 EST
CBC News
VATICAN CITY - After spending what will be his fifth night in hospital, Pope John Paul II should be well enough by Sunday to give his traditional weekly blessing, the Vatican says.
In a statement, the Holy See said the pontiff will bless the faithful from his room at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital, but an aide would read his midday address and prayer for him.
The diocese of Rome has urged Catholics to go to St. Peter's Square on Sunday, where the Angelus, as the prayer is called, could be broadcast on a giant screen.
John Paul, 84, was admitted to hospital on Feb. 1, suffering from breathing problems brought on by the flu.
A delegation of five bishops from various Christian faiths visited John Paul II in his room at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome Saturday.
An even larger group of bishops from around the world gathered in the Roman Catholic hospital's chapel for a prayer ceremony.
Italian Bishop Vincenzo Paglia told journalists the Pope's condition is improving and he is eager to get back to work. "He's getting better and he's happy," he said.
Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the noon prayers are important to John Paul, "something he doesn't want to miss."
The Pope will not, however, be presiding over the Ash Wednesday prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica next week, marking the start of Lent., the Vatican says.
Last Updated Sat, 05 Feb 2005 12:58:47 EST
CBC News
VATICAN CITY - After spending what will be his fifth night in hospital, Pope John Paul II should be well enough by Sunday to give his traditional weekly blessing, the Vatican says.
In a statement, the Holy See said the pontiff will bless the faithful from his room at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital, but an aide would read his midday address and prayer for him.
The diocese of Rome has urged Catholics to go to St. Peter's Square on Sunday, where the Angelus, as the prayer is called, could be broadcast on a giant screen.
John Paul, 84, was admitted to hospital on Feb. 1, suffering from breathing problems brought on by the flu.
A delegation of five bishops from various Christian faiths visited John Paul II in his room at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome Saturday.
An even larger group of bishops from around the world gathered in the Roman Catholic hospital's chapel for a prayer ceremony.
Italian Bishop Vincenzo Paglia told journalists the Pope's condition is improving and he is eager to get back to work. "He's getting better and he's happy," he said.
Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the noon prayers are important to John Paul, "something he doesn't want to miss."
The Pope will not, however, be presiding over the Ash Wednesday prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica next week, marking the start of Lent., the Vatican says.
I was raised a Roman Catholic, but I don't agree with everything that my religion and the Pope teaches. I do however admire the man's fortitude. It's amazing how he keeps on going no matter what.
That makes two of us Cyn. I consider myself a 'thinking Catholic'. Know what I mean?
QUOTE (hawkerdriver @ Feb 6 2005, 08:57 AM)
That makes two of us Cyn. I consider myself a 'thinking Catholic'. Know what I mean?
Yes, I certainly do Hawker!
I heard today that he was talking about stepping down.
I'd heard that too Kats...which begs the question, shouldnt he retire? Given his health is looking up, the doctors have stated that its certain this will occur again...the church is also discussing how long they can function given his health worsened and he would have to be put on life support
As Catholics worldwide offered prayers for the recovery of Pope John Paul II this week, church scholars said the Vatican may eventually have to grapple publicly with legal and moral questions about the pontiff's potential incapacitation and efforts to keep him alive if his condition deteriorates.
Click To Enlarge
Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls talks to journalists at the Vatican's press room, Friday, Feb. 4, 2005. Navarro-Valls said that "the state of health of the Holy Father has improved," reading from a brief Vatican medical bulletin.
"One of the great difficulties in dealing with life-sustaining treatment is that one cannot guess all the circumstances that can arise," said John Haas, president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
Discussion of a pope's death was once considered taboo in the Catholic Church. But given the 84-year-old pontiff's long-declining health - he suffers from Parkinson's disease and debilitating arthritis - it's now unavoidable.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=57&u_sid=1328413
As Catholics worldwide offered prayers for the recovery of Pope John Paul II this week, church scholars said the Vatican may eventually have to grapple publicly with legal and moral questions about the pontiff's potential incapacitation and efforts to keep him alive if his condition deteriorates.
Click To Enlarge
Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls talks to journalists at the Vatican's press room, Friday, Feb. 4, 2005. Navarro-Valls said that "the state of health of the Holy Father has improved," reading from a brief Vatican medical bulletin.
"One of the great difficulties in dealing with life-sustaining treatment is that one cannot guess all the circumstances that can arise," said John Haas, president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
Discussion of a pope's death was once considered taboo in the Catholic Church. But given the 84-year-old pontiff's long-declining health - he suffers from Parkinson's disease and debilitating arthritis - it's now unavoidable.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=57&u_sid=1328413
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/02/08...h.ap/index.html
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, three groups on General Authorities are called for life. The Prophet (President of the Church), The Twelve Apostles, and the First Quorum of the Seventy. The Prophet has two Counselors to aid in administration.
If / when the Prophet's health debilitates his ability to lead (as happened with President Benson), his two Counselors may act together in his stead. Once the Prophet dies, his counselors go back into the Quorum of the Twelve. The 14 (the Twelve + 2 Counselors) hold a Solemn Assembly to determine the new Prophet and President of the Church.
When one of the Seventy is no longer able to fulfil his duties, he obtains Emeritus status - he is still officially a General Authority, but in reality it's closer to retiring.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, three groups on General Authorities are called for life. The Prophet (President of the Church), The Twelve Apostles, and the First Quorum of the Seventy. The Prophet has two Counselors to aid in administration.
If / when the Prophet's health debilitates his ability to lead (as happened with President Benson), his two Counselors may act together in his stead. Once the Prophet dies, his counselors go back into the Quorum of the Twelve. The 14 (the Twelve + 2 Counselors) hold a Solemn Assembly to determine the new Prophet and President of the Church.
When one of the Seventy is no longer able to fulfil his duties, he obtains Emeritus status - he is still officially a General Authority, but in reality it's closer to retiring.
I've always been under the impression that one is Pope until one dies.
I'm guessing his title will always be that of a pope but I was talking more the lines of retiring...abdicate is the official word for it, the last wholly voluntary abdication took place in 1294 by Celestine V. Ofcourse there has been more controversial abdications *which im guessing were them being forced to step down* the last one of these was in 1415
the Pope can step down by choice but can not be "forced" to step down. The problem is modern life support and the moral obligation to respect life in all forms including the Popes if it ever comes to that.
The Pope has been released from the hospital!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/02/10...alth/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/02/10...alth/index.html
He's only 84? He looks like he's 104..... Man life must be rough for a Pope!
Uhhh.....tkite? The man has Parkinson's Disease (my father also has it, as does Michael J. Fox and Mohommed Ali), still suffers from the wounds from the assassination attempt in 1981, and he has a couple other health related issues. All of this was listed in the articles I posted.
Not to mention that the life expectancy for males is around 72-75 years. The Pope has enjoyed a very long life.
I certainly respect the man's tenacity, but do think that the Church might fare a little better were there to be a younger, healthier man leading.
I'm thinking that Catholics (of which I am not one, so really am just speaking from supposition and overheard conversations) might relate better to someone who is more than just a figurehead.
Regardless, I wish him well.
I'm thinking that Catholics (of which I am not one, so really am just speaking from supposition and overheard conversations) might relate better to someone who is more than just a figurehead.
Regardless, I wish him well.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...p_on_re_eu/pope
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul (news - web sites) II was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance Thursday suffering from a relapse of the flu, a fever and congestion, the Vatican (news - web sites) said, a day after the pontiff made his longest public appearance since being discharged from the clinic two weeks ago.
The 84-year-old pontiff had the same symptoms of the breathing crisis that sent him to Gemelli Polyclinic on Feb. 1, a Vatican official said on condition of anonymity.
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul (news - web sites) II was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance Thursday suffering from a relapse of the flu, a fever and congestion, the Vatican (news - web sites) said, a day after the pontiff made his longest public appearance since being discharged from the clinic two weeks ago.
The 84-year-old pontiff had the same symptoms of the breathing crisis that sent him to Gemelli Polyclinic on Feb. 1, a Vatican official said on condition of anonymity.
Yup, I heard that on the news this morning. I have the terrible feeling that before long, the Catholics of the world will have a new spiritual leader. Not that I wish any harm to Pope John Paul II.
Vamp, I think you may be right-they just released that the Pope had a tracheotomy to ease his breathing....not good.
I'm hearing that on the radio right now!
I heard that at work, and I too feel we'll be having a new pope soon, but he keeps on fighting so we shall see...
I have alot of respect for that man-he has withstood so many hardships
from www.nbc30.com
VATICAN CITY -- The pope was conscious and serene after undergoing a tracheotomy to help him breathe, an aide to Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi said.
Cabinet Undersecretary Gianni Letta told reporters at Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome that he visited the pope after he awoke from the anesthesia.
A Vatican spokesman said Pope John Paul II will be spending the night in his hospital room, following the successful surgery.
Spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the operation lasted about 30 minutes and was completed in "a positive way." Navarro-Valls said the 84-year-old pontiff had been informed of his situation and gave his approval for the procedure.
The Vatican said surgeons inserted a breathing tube through a hole in the pope's throat to help ease his breathing problems.
However, the tracheotomy could have serious consequences for the pope's abilities to carry out his duties. The operation may require a long hospital stay and keep him from being able to speak for an extended period.
And, just the anesthesia required for surgery is risky for a person of the pope's age -- especially considering that he has Parkinson's disease.
After making his longest public appearance since being hospitalized with the flu earlier this month, John Paul had to be rushed back to the hospital because of an apparent relapse. The Vatican said earlier that the pope is suffering from the same breathing ailment.
The Vatican said he's suffering a relapse of the flu as well as congestion and a fever.
The pope's hospitalization comes one day after a 30-minute address during which he wheezed and looked gaunt.
The Vatican said the pope was hospitalized for "necessary specialized assistance and further tests." The Italian news agency reported that the pontiff was conscious when he was brought into the hospital on a stretcher, and people who saw him said he looked "quite relaxed."
VATICAN CITY -- The pope was conscious and serene after undergoing a tracheotomy to help him breathe, an aide to Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi said.
Cabinet Undersecretary Gianni Letta told reporters at Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome that he visited the pope after he awoke from the anesthesia.
A Vatican spokesman said Pope John Paul II will be spending the night in his hospital room, following the successful surgery.
Spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the operation lasted about 30 minutes and was completed in "a positive way." Navarro-Valls said the 84-year-old pontiff had been informed of his situation and gave his approval for the procedure.
The Vatican said surgeons inserted a breathing tube through a hole in the pope's throat to help ease his breathing problems.
However, the tracheotomy could have serious consequences for the pope's abilities to carry out his duties. The operation may require a long hospital stay and keep him from being able to speak for an extended period.
And, just the anesthesia required for surgery is risky for a person of the pope's age -- especially considering that he has Parkinson's disease.
After making his longest public appearance since being hospitalized with the flu earlier this month, John Paul had to be rushed back to the hospital because of an apparent relapse. The Vatican said earlier that the pope is suffering from the same breathing ailment.
The Vatican said he's suffering a relapse of the flu as well as congestion and a fever.
The pope's hospitalization comes one day after a 30-minute address during which he wheezed and looked gaunt.
The Vatican said the pope was hospitalized for "necessary specialized assistance and further tests." The Italian news agency reported that the pontiff was conscious when he was brought into the hospital on a stretcher, and people who saw him said he looked "quite relaxed."
Maybe God is putting the Pope thru some more modern lessons before he jumps off the planet. What I mean is simply that maybe the Pope needs to go thru all man-made interventions to prolong his life and realize that when humans interfer with the body it's not necessarily a good thing. That maybe everyone has the right to stop human intervention and allow their natural bodies to die. I have to ask if he didn't get that tracheotomy would he have died and after he gets it will he think differently about the measures that were taken to prolong his life?
Now if I were the Pope I think I would be thrilled to finally enter the kingdom of heaven and join my heavenly family in which I used my life to glorlify and serve.
Now if I were the Pope I think I would be thrilled to finally enter the kingdom of heaven and join my heavenly family in which I used my life to glorlify and serve.
Either people are too reluctant to let him go or he feels that he has a few things left to finish up. That's what I personally think.
And I'd be interested to see who comes in after him. Not sure who would be elected to the Papal Throne (I admit to being totally unfamilar with who's up for the job)
And I'd be interested to see who comes in after him. Not sure who would be elected to the Papal Throne (I admit to being totally unfamilar with who's up for the job)
http://www.sundayherald.com/47585
Also in this article is talk of future popes having to retire at 80...must say I agree. I just cant believe how unorganized the church is with all this talk of not having a "backup" plan or replacement if he slips into a coma or when he passes away...I wish him peace from all this suffering
QUOTE
In the running instead are the following: Dionigi Tettamanzi, Archbishop of Milan; Francis Arinze of Nigeria; Claudio Hummes, Archbishop of Sao Paulo; Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa in Honduras; and Angelo Scola, another Italian, the Patriarch of Venice.
Also in this article is talk of future popes having to retire at 80...must say I agree. I just cant believe how unorganized the church is with all this talk of not having a "backup" plan or replacement if he slips into a coma or when he passes away...I wish him peace from all this suffering
from www.msnbc.com
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II is recovering without complications and has started therapy to improve his breathing and speaking, the Vatican said Monday, a day after the pope surprised the faithful with a brief appearance in a hospital window.
The Holy See said the 84-year-old pope has been eating regularly and spending some time sitting in an armchair. But it gave no hint of when he would leave Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, an indication that doctors see the need for an extended stay.
“The Holy Father’s postoperative phase is taking place without complications. His general condition and biological parameters continue to be good,” the Vatican communique said. “The Holy Father is eating regularly, spends some hours in an armchair and has begun exercises to rehabilitate breathing and phonation.”
The therapy is aimed at improving the pope’s breathing and ability to speak after last week’s surgery to insert a tube in his throat to ease his second respiratory crisis in less than a month.
The Vatican handed out the brief medical update to reporters, and papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls was not present to offer any elaboration. It said it would not issue another update until Thursday.
Marco Verzaschi, a regional health commissioner, visited the hospital and met with the pope’s medical team, including papal physician Dr. Rodolfo Proietti.
“I’m much more optimistic now, after having spoken to the doctors, than when I came,” Verzaschi said. “With the pope’s great stamina and strength, he is overcoming even this very difficult trial.”
What a strong man..
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II is recovering without complications and has started therapy to improve his breathing and speaking, the Vatican said Monday, a day after the pope surprised the faithful with a brief appearance in a hospital window.
The Holy See said the 84-year-old pope has been eating regularly and spending some time sitting in an armchair. But it gave no hint of when he would leave Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, an indication that doctors see the need for an extended stay.
“The Holy Father’s postoperative phase is taking place without complications. His general condition and biological parameters continue to be good,” the Vatican communique said. “The Holy Father is eating regularly, spends some hours in an armchair and has begun exercises to rehabilitate breathing and phonation.”
The therapy is aimed at improving the pope’s breathing and ability to speak after last week’s surgery to insert a tube in his throat to ease his second respiratory crisis in less than a month.
The Vatican handed out the brief medical update to reporters, and papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls was not present to offer any elaboration. It said it would not issue another update until Thursday.
Marco Verzaschi, a regional health commissioner, visited the hospital and met with the pope’s medical team, including papal physician Dr. Rodolfo Proietti.
“I’m much more optimistic now, after having spoken to the doctors, than when I came,” Verzaschi said. “With the pope’s great stamina and strength, he is overcoming even this very difficult trial.”
What a strong man..
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/03/31/pope1/index.html
Vatican source: Pope given last rites
Ailing pontiff suffers from high fever with urinary tract infection
Thursday, March 31, 2005 Posted: 4:38 PM EST (2138 GMT)
VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Pope John Paul II was given the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church late Thursday night as his health deteriorated, a Vatican source has told CNN.
The pope is suffering from a high fever caused by a urinary tract infection, the Vatican confirmed Thursday -- one day after revealing he had been put on a nasal feeding tube for nutrition
The pope is taking antibiotics, a Vatican spokesman said.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement released Wednesday: "To improve his calorific intake and promote an efficient recovery of his strength, nutrition via the positioning of a nasal-gastric tube has begun."
The pope underwent a tracheotomy February 24 and still has a tube inserted in his windpipe to help his breathing.
Earlier Wednesday, the pope appeared at his studio window and blessed the thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square.
He appeared alert during the four-minute appearance, which drew cheers from the crowd gathered beneath his window.
He raised his hand in blessing and made the sign of the cross as a Vatican official read greetings and prayers.
A microphone was raised to his face as he tried to speak, but the words were not clear.
The pope has spent a total of 28 days in two stints at Gemelli hospital in Rome in the past two months.
Nicola Cerbino, a spokesman at the hospital, said Wednesday that there was no plan to hospitalize the pope.
On Monday the pope skipped the post-Easter Angelus prayer for the first time in his 26-year papacy.
The 84-year-old pope suffers from a number of chronic illnesses, including crippling hip and knee ailments, and Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that can make breathing difficult.
Throughout his various illnesses and brushes with death, even after the assassination attempt against him in 1981, the pope always said his life was in God's hands.
CNN's Alessio Vinci contributed to this report.
Vatican source: Pope given last rites
Ailing pontiff suffers from high fever with urinary tract infection
Thursday, March 31, 2005 Posted: 4:38 PM EST (2138 GMT)
VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Pope John Paul II was given the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church late Thursday night as his health deteriorated, a Vatican source has told CNN.
The pope is suffering from a high fever caused by a urinary tract infection, the Vatican confirmed Thursday -- one day after revealing he had been put on a nasal feeding tube for nutrition
The pope is taking antibiotics, a Vatican spokesman said.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement released Wednesday: "To improve his calorific intake and promote an efficient recovery of his strength, nutrition via the positioning of a nasal-gastric tube has begun."
The pope underwent a tracheotomy February 24 and still has a tube inserted in his windpipe to help his breathing.
Earlier Wednesday, the pope appeared at his studio window and blessed the thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square.
He appeared alert during the four-minute appearance, which drew cheers from the crowd gathered beneath his window.
He raised his hand in blessing and made the sign of the cross as a Vatican official read greetings and prayers.
A microphone was raised to his face as he tried to speak, but the words were not clear.
The pope has spent a total of 28 days in two stints at Gemelli hospital in Rome in the past two months.
Nicola Cerbino, a spokesman at the hospital, said Wednesday that there was no plan to hospitalize the pope.
On Monday the pope skipped the post-Easter Angelus prayer for the first time in his 26-year papacy.
The 84-year-old pope suffers from a number of chronic illnesses, including crippling hip and knee ailments, and Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that can make breathing difficult.
Throughout his various illnesses and brushes with death, even after the assassination attempt against him in 1981, the pope always said his life was in God's hands.
CNN's Alessio Vinci contributed to this report.
There is a correction on the sacrament that the Pope received. Early reports was Last Rites.....but my news program just now confirmed that it was the Sacrament of the Sick that he received and that he is responding well to treatment.
but isn't the sacrament of the sick just a nicer name for the last rites?
It's actually called Extreme Unction, and it's different from Last Rites.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05716a.htm
Like one of my healing spells, it's meant to give comfort and strength to an extremely ill person.
Last Rites is essentally cleansing your soul of sins because you are dying, and is administered when a person is confirmed to be dying. The Pope is only extremely ill right now.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05716a.htm
Like one of my healing spells, it's meant to give comfort and strength to an extremely ill person.
Last Rites is essentally cleansing your soul of sins because you are dying, and is administered when a person is confirmed to be dying. The Pope is only extremely ill right now.
thanks for clarifying vampster. i've been pestering my parents about this stuff and i think they're about ready to snap. i've got msnbc on right now and they're updating whenever anything minor happens which is helpful.
Alsie,
Anyone can get annointing of the sick even if its just over a cold, they reserve the last rites for those who are about to die. My daughter and I have discussed it and in school they explained what happens when the pope does die, she couldn't remmber the term conclave and I think she's confused about somethings but she has the jist of it. Maybe I should bring her here and follow all of Vamp's links
Anyone can get annointing of the sick even if its just over a cold, they reserve the last rites for those who are about to die. My daughter and I have discussed it and in school they explained what happens when the pope does die, she couldn't remmber the term conclave and I think she's confused about somethings but she has the jist of it. Maybe I should bring her here and follow all of Vamp's links
the jist of it is about all i've got. time to hit the links!
Glad I could be of help.Course, I've no idea just how they determine who the next Pope is....
i think that the cardinals elect a new pope during conclave.
Alise, you are right. but the particulars I can't remember
OK, that clears things up a bit. I became slightly alarmed by the term "last rites" as used by CNN and other news organizations.
Some of you may have heard that I keep olive oil with me. Before pronouncing a blessing, an elder may annoint the afflicted with consecrated olive oil. Blessings may be requested because of illness, needing spiritual guidance, or strength to overcome an affliction.
From the updates on the Pope, I understand he had the Catholic equivilent of one of these blessings.
Some of you may have heard that I keep olive oil with me. Before pronouncing a blessing, an elder may annoint the afflicted with consecrated olive oil. Blessings may be requested because of illness, needing spiritual guidance, or strength to overcome an affliction.
From the updates on the Pope, I understand he had the Catholic equivilent of one of these blessings.
Basically, yes. However, this morning on my news show they were saying it was Last Rites, and stated that it was sometimes given to a very sick person, which actually conflicts with my own understanding of Catholic Sacraments. So I've no idea anymore. Especially since the Vatican seems reluctant to confirm anything said in the news.
It was Last Rites. He's had a heart attack with ensuing Septic Shock. Once you've have Septic Shock you're body's organs are beginning to shut down one by one due to the poison that is dispersed throughout the body. He's not long for this world.
Annointing of the sick is the sacrament for illness. Last Rites is given for the forgiveness of sins that have been unreconciled that have/had accrued at the time of death.
Annointing of the sick is the sacrament for illness. Last Rites is given for the forgiveness of sins that have been unreconciled that have/had accrued at the time of death.
This article was in the online edition of the Toronto Star, and I found it interesting
Door closing a traditional sign of pope's death
But massive bronze door at St. Peter's hasn't been used as a signal of a pope's passing in recent years, and is normally shut each evening
ASSOCIATED PRESS
VATICAN CITY — A closed bronze door. Drawn shutters. Tolling bells. Sombre music. They are all signs that a pontiff has passed.
Over the centuries, the most traditional and telling signal that a pope has died has been the tolling of the Vatican's bells, which prompts churches across Rome to join in.
But there is also the symbolic shutting of the Bronze Door, a massive portal beneath a portico off St. Peter's Square that is closed when a pope dies and is kept shut until a new pontiff is elected.
Its modern use is spotty. In 1978, when two popes died in rapid succession, the tradition was ignored. Under normal circumstances, the Bronze Door is closed every night at about 8 p.m. and reopened in the morning, making it unsuitable for a nighttime announcement.
And papal observers say it's not clear whether the shutting of the door even in daytime would precede or follow an official announcement.
Pope-watchers also are keeping a watchful eye on the shutters of the two windows at the side of Pope John Paul's third-floor apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square. Some say the closing of the shutters can be the first tangible sign of a death.
Tradition dictates that the Pope's vicar for Rome, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, would make a formal announcement to Romans. The Vatican almost certainly would have made an earlier announcement to the media, either via Vatican Radio, which then plays sombre music, or through the Pope's spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, meaning the world would know by the time Ruini read out the news.
The formal Vatican tradition goes like this:
When a pope dies, the prefect of the papal household, currently American Archbishop James Harvey, tells the camerlengo, or chamberlain, who is the most important official running the Holy See in the period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one.
The camerlengo, now Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo of Spain, must then verify the death — a process which in the past was done by striking the forehead of the pope with a silver hammer.
The camerlengo then tells the vicar of Rome, who informs the people of the city.
The prefect of the papal household then tells the dean of the College of Cardinals, now Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who then formally informs the rest of the college, ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, and heads of state around the world.
Door closing a traditional sign of pope's death
But massive bronze door at St. Peter's hasn't been used as a signal of a pope's passing in recent years, and is normally shut each evening
ASSOCIATED PRESS
VATICAN CITY — A closed bronze door. Drawn shutters. Tolling bells. Sombre music. They are all signs that a pontiff has passed.
Over the centuries, the most traditional and telling signal that a pope has died has been the tolling of the Vatican's bells, which prompts churches across Rome to join in.
But there is also the symbolic shutting of the Bronze Door, a massive portal beneath a portico off St. Peter's Square that is closed when a pope dies and is kept shut until a new pontiff is elected.
Its modern use is spotty. In 1978, when two popes died in rapid succession, the tradition was ignored. Under normal circumstances, the Bronze Door is closed every night at about 8 p.m. and reopened in the morning, making it unsuitable for a nighttime announcement.
And papal observers say it's not clear whether the shutting of the door even in daytime would precede or follow an official announcement.
Pope-watchers also are keeping a watchful eye on the shutters of the two windows at the side of Pope John Paul's third-floor apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square. Some say the closing of the shutters can be the first tangible sign of a death.
Tradition dictates that the Pope's vicar for Rome, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, would make a formal announcement to Romans. The Vatican almost certainly would have made an earlier announcement to the media, either via Vatican Radio, which then plays sombre music, or through the Pope's spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, meaning the world would know by the time Ruini read out the news.
The formal Vatican tradition goes like this:
When a pope dies, the prefect of the papal household, currently American Archbishop James Harvey, tells the camerlengo, or chamberlain, who is the most important official running the Holy See in the period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one.
The camerlengo, now Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo of Spain, must then verify the death — a process which in the past was done by striking the forehead of the pope with a silver hammer.
The camerlengo then tells the vicar of Rome, who informs the people of the city.
The prefect of the papal household then tells the dean of the College of Cardinals, now Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who then formally informs the rest of the college, ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, and heads of state around the world.
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