VATICAN: Pope has suffered heart failure, received CPR

[DemBones DemBones]

(Note for reference to times in article -- it's now 8:29 PM in Italy, they are 6 hours ahead of EST.)


VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II suffered heart failure during treatment for a urinary tract infection and was in "very serious" condition on Friday, the Vatican said.



Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement that the pope, who was being treated at the Vatican, was given cardio-respiratory assistance after his heart failed Thursday afternoon.



"This morning the condition of the Holy Father is very serious," the statement said.



However, it said that the pope had participated in a 6 a.m. Mass Friday and was "conscious, lucid, and serene."



The 84-year-old pontiff's health declined sharply after he developed a high fever Thursday brought on by the infection. He wished to remain at the Vatican, Navarro-Valls said.



The statement confirmed previous reports that the pope had received the sacrament for the sick and dying on Thursday evening.

[Princess Turandot]

1. I hope that God takes him peacefully..

the presence of septicemia (septic shock) is a bad and difficult sign. It is a super bug that nature evolved in the face of man made medications, which is difficult to combat. (It was what finally did in my mother, another 'Polack' who was the same age as the Pope, something she was always very proud of.)He does not deserve to linger & suffer.

All blessings upon this man of profound good will.

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. It's what also took my grandfather.

His Holiness has been described as 'serene'; I can only hope that my own faith will allow me to be serene in my last days.