R4ller
31-03-2005, 10:05 PM
'POPE READ LAST RITES'
The Pope has reportedly been read his last rites after contracting a urinary infection.
The 84-year-old developed a high fever and low blood pressure sparking mounting fears over his condition.
The Vatican would not confirm whether he had been read his last rites, reserved for the sick and dying, but sources said it was likely.
He has been given antibiotic therapy but there are no plans at present to move him from the Vatican to hospital.
The head of the Catholic Church has been recovering from throat surgery for more than a month and also has Parkinson's disease.
Aides said they had been disappointed by the slow pace of his recovery, following a decision to give him a feeding tube.
One priest who works in the Vatican said: "We are on standby for anything.
"Hardly anyone thinks the situation will improve but everyone is hoping for a miracle.
"If you add up Parkinson's disease, his age, his previous stomach operations, his breathing difficulties, his digestive problems, it makes for a pretty grim picture."
But it is believed the Pontiff is still being briefed on Church business and is able to communicate through speech and writing.
The Pope has reportedly been read his last rites after contracting a urinary infection.
The 84-year-old developed a high fever and low blood pressure sparking mounting fears over his condition.
The Vatican would not confirm whether he had been read his last rites, reserved for the sick and dying, but sources said it was likely.
He has been given antibiotic therapy but there are no plans at present to move him from the Vatican to hospital.
The head of the Catholic Church has been recovering from throat surgery for more than a month and also has Parkinson's disease.
Aides said they had been disappointed by the slow pace of his recovery, following a decision to give him a feeding tube.
One priest who works in the Vatican said: "We are on standby for anything.
"Hardly anyone thinks the situation will improve but everyone is hoping for a miracle.
"If you add up Parkinson's disease, his age, his previous stomach operations, his breathing difficulties, his digestive problems, it makes for a pretty grim picture."
But it is believed the Pontiff is still being briefed on Church business and is able to communicate through speech and writing.