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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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.
18 April 2005
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Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope
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24 February 2005
Pope readmitted to hospital with flu relapse
Pope John Paul II has been readmitted to hospital in Rome, suffering from a relapse of flu. The 84-year-old pontiff had been taken to hospital on February 1, suffering from laryngo-spasm, which causes breathing difficulties. Suffering from a bout of flu at the time, he remained in Gemelli Hospital until February 10.
Pope readmitted to hospital with flu relapse
Pope John Paul II has been readmitted to hospital in Rome, suffering from a relapse of flu. The 84-year-old pontiff had been taken to hospital on February 1, suffering from laryngo-spasm, which causes breathing difficulties. Suffering from a bout of flu at the time, he remained in Gemelli Hospital until February 10.
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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
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