Latest news beaming around the world is that the Pope is very close to death and has been given his last Rites.
UPDATE
"The Holy Father has been struck during the day by a high fever caused by an infection of the urinary tract," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement.
"He is being treated with an appropriate therapy based on antibiotics. His clinical state is being very closely controlled by the medical team of the Vatican which is treating him," it said.
Earlier, the Italian news agency ANSA said the Pope's health had worsened over the past few hours and that he had a high fever and low blood pressure.
It has also been reported that he has lost 42 pounds in just the last few weeks.
More thoughts on the Pope's condition here.
Papal succession elucidated here.
A discussion of "last rites" here, often misunderstood to mean imminent death. On the other hand, it isn't a good sign.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
thanks Darren, this has been one vicious day
2 - bhw
A runaway urinary tract infection is a pretty serious thing in an elderly person. Any infection is.
3 - Darren Rowse
yeah - its a pretty full on thing for a guy of his age and fragility - not looking good for him unfortunately.
4 - Eric Olsen
I updated with more information
5 - Aaman
Looks like some angel/devil is trying to meet his/her/its quarter numbers
6 - NancyGail
Clever.
7 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
so what happens if, y'know, the inevitable occurs shortly? is the catholic church popeless for a time while they decide on the next one? Are there folks lined up for the job?
8 - Darren Rowse
they have a system in place for voting in a new pope - from the cardinals. They lock them all in a room til they come up with a new one.
9 - Darren Rowse
thanks for the update too Aaman - was about to do that myself
10 - Aaman
Do you think the Pope has a living will?
11 - Eric Olsen
he certainly seems to have a will to live
12 - Z.Z.B.
He is one tough soul but this sure does sound serious. They are worried about bacterial pneumonia sepsis which would likely be fatal for a person of his age and with the complications he has. It will be very telling to see in what direction the College of Cardinals points the direction of Roman Catholic Church with whom they elect as a successor. They are beginning to gather there in Rome.
13 - gonzo marx
i personally have no care for the Office..
but i have nothing but the utmost Respect for the Man, himself
i Wish him nothing but the best
nuff said
Excelsior!
14 - Z.Z.B.
Aman, I found this report ---
It is not clear who would be empowered to make medical decisions for an unconscious pope. The pope has no close relatives, but the Vatican has officially declined to comment whether John Paul has left written instructions.
15 - Z.Z.B.
Bad link in above.
declined to comment whether John Paul has left written instructions"
Sorry.