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01/04/2005
Pope John Paul II in 'grave condition'
Pope John Paul II is in a "very grave" condition, the Vatican confirmed on Friday, as fears grow over his increasingly frail health.
The 84-year-old pontiff, who was treated in hospital twice in February after suffering from breathing problems, developed a high fever, caused by a urinary tract infection, last night.
It has also been reported that he suffered septic shock and cardioculatory collapse or heart failure.
A Vatican spokesperson confirmed that the Pope's condition was serious and that he had received the Holy Viaticum, the sacrament of the sick and the dying. Although the last rites had been administered the Pope was described as being "lucid" and "serene".
It was reported that the Pope had not been taken to hospital but is being treated by a medical team at the Vatican, including his personal doctor, two intensive care doctors, a cardiologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist and two nurses.
The pontiff, who also suffers from Parkinson's disease and arthritis, spent ten days in hospital at the beginning of February after he developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu.
He left the Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 10, but had to be readmitted on February 24 after suffering a relapse. He then received a tracheotomy, in order to aid his breathing.
The Pope had returned to the Vatican in time for Easter week and had appeared at his window in St. Peter's Square to deliver a blessing on Easter Sunday and on Wednesday. However, this week, it was revealed that he was receiving feeding through a tube in order to aid his recovery.
The Polish-born pontiff has served as Pope since 1978.
(KMcA/SP)
The 84-year-old pontiff, who was treated in hospital twice in February after suffering from breathing problems, developed a high fever, caused by a urinary tract infection, last night.
It has also been reported that he suffered septic shock and cardioculatory collapse or heart failure.
A Vatican spokesperson confirmed that the Pope's condition was serious and that he had received the Holy Viaticum, the sacrament of the sick and the dying. Although the last rites had been administered the Pope was described as being "lucid" and "serene".
It was reported that the Pope had not been taken to hospital but is being treated by a medical team at the Vatican, including his personal doctor, two intensive care doctors, a cardiologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist and two nurses.
The pontiff, who also suffers from Parkinson's disease and arthritis, spent ten days in hospital at the beginning of February after he developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu.
He left the Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 10, but had to be readmitted on February 24 after suffering a relapse. He then received a tracheotomy, in order to aid his breathing.
The Pope had returned to the Vatican in time for Easter week and had appeared at his window in St. Peter's Square to deliver a blessing on Easter Sunday and on Wednesday. However, this week, it was revealed that he was receiving feeding through a tube in order to aid his recovery.
The Polish-born pontiff has served as Pope since 1978.
(KMcA/SP)
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07 February 2005
Pope to remain in hospital on doctors' advice
Pope John Paul II will, according to the Vatican, remain in hospital for "a few more days". A Vatican spokesperson said that the 84-year-old pontiff was eating well and had no fever. On Sunday, the crowd cheered the Pope, who appeared briefly at the window of his room in Rome's Gemelli Hospital to give a short blessing.
Pope to remain in hospital on doctors' advice
Pope John Paul II will, according to the Vatican, remain in hospital for "a few more days". A Vatican spokesperson said that the 84-year-old pontiff was eating well and had no fever. On Sunday, the crowd cheered the Pope, who appeared briefly at the window of his room in Rome's Gemelli Hospital to give a short blessing.
04 April 2005
Two million expected to pay tribute to the Pope
Around two million people are expected to flock to Rome to pay tribute to the late Pope John Paul II, ahead of his funeral, which will take place on Friday morning. The body of the 84-year-old pontiff, who died on Saturday, will lie in state from this afternoon at St Peter's Basilica and members of the public will be able to pay their respects.
Two million expected to pay tribute to the Pope
Around two million people are expected to flock to Rome to pay tribute to the late Pope John Paul II, ahead of his funeral, which will take place on Friday morning. The body of the 84-year-old pontiff, who died on Saturday, will lie in state from this afternoon at St Peter's Basilica and members of the public will be able to pay their respects.
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Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope
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Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope
Preparations are under way to begin the process of electing the successor to the late Pope John Paul II. Roman Catholic cardinals held a special mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome this morning.
02 February 2005
Pope in stable condition in hospital
According to the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's condition has stabilised, but the 84-year-old pontiff who was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital has required medical treatment for a respiratory condition overnight. Pope John Paul II developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu became more serious.
Pope in stable condition in hospital
According to the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's condition has stabilised, but the 84-year-old pontiff who was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital has required medical treatment for a respiratory condition overnight. Pope John Paul II developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu became more serious.
20 April 2005
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his first Mass
Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his first Mass in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel this morning with the cardinals who elected him yesterday. Benedict XVI admitted to feeling a “sense of inadequacy and human turmoil” at the responsibility of becoming the 265th Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his first Mass
Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his first Mass in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel this morning with the cardinals who elected him yesterday. Benedict XVI admitted to feeling a “sense of inadequacy and human turmoil” at the responsibility of becoming the 265th Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
