The Pope

[PJ's Mom]

From CNN.com

Pope John Paul II has been given the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church as his health deteriorates, a Vatican source tells CNN.

I knew he was sick but I had no idea.

[sammy101]

i just heard thaton the news The doctors have to interfere now.Hopefully he'll get better soon,sure doesnt sound good now

[moosmom]

I'm praying for the old man. He was my favorite pope. Such a kind, gentle soul.

[Pam]

I am not a catholic but admit to admiring him far and above all previous popes. The Lord will call him when it is his time and he will enter into his deserved rest.

[tatsxxx11]

I was comforted to hear that his "head" physician is a nun, someone who will take into consideration not only his physical well being and priorities, but his spiritual ones as well. I hope that he can rally. He is such a good man.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Oh, I didn't here that! I did here they inserted a feeding tube, but really, he got the last rites! Pope John Paul has been such a good pope, and he's such a good holy man...it's going to be sad when he passes away.

[slick]

As a Christian, this has hit me hard. I just don't know what to say. Will watch for updates on tonight's late news.

[Cincy'sMom]

Pope John Paul II has been Pope since 1978, since I was 2 years old. I can't compare him to any prior Popes, but being Catholic, and growing up in Catholic school, when they talked about The Pope, there is only one face to put to the title..not like "The President" that changes every 4- 8 years. The idea of him not being Pope, or maybe better said, someone else being Pope seems very weird to me.

Last Rites does not neccesarily mean death is imminent. They have actaully changed the name of the sacrement in the church, and it is more commonly called "Sacrement of the Sick" Many people experience this before surgeries, or when facing an on going illness. I don't know what it means as far as the Pope's helth goes, and obviously he is very sick, but I guess I wanted to explain a little more. To me, saying "Last Rites", seems to imply he will be gone at any moment, and that may not be the case.

I pray that when his time comes, he will go peacefully

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Yeah, what Cincy's Mom said. We all know it as last rites, but they are really playing that down in the media and making sure everyone understands it's "Sacrament of the Sick" and is given to very sick people - not as last rites, but instead to pray for them to get better.

Unfortunately, it doesn't sound good for the Pope. I, too, have never known another Pope. I do know I disagree with some of the things coming out of the "Vatican" but hope he passes peacefully. At least we know the pearly gates will be wide open to welcome him home.

[moosmom]

On the news this morning they said that he's going into heart failure. I pray every night for him. I know that God will call him home when he's ready. I just hope it's peaceful, quiet and without pain.

[PJ's Mom]

I heard on the radio this morning that someone said he could recover if they can solve his breathing problem. Maybe there's hope.

[ChrisH]

The latest updates on the Pope's health appear on the BBC News website. This is what it is reading right now
Gravely ill Pope remains 'serene'

[sirrahbed]

He is now unconscious and his death is believed to be very soon. This is sad but very comforting to observe someone entering death in this calm and relaxed way.

[slick]

A very sad day indeed and my tears flow freely.

As with Mother Teresa and others who have passed before him, the world will never be the same again.

[RICHARD]

My BIL was a Los Angeles Police officer for years.

When the Pope came to Los Angeles to visit he was on the security detail at the stadium where the service was held.

Years later, he still becomes very animated when he talks about
seeing JP up close. He was told to face the crowd and keep his eyes open. I guess he didn't follow instructions very well-he turned to take a look at him as he passed.

When he tells the story, my BIL becomes very animated and gets an excited look on his face.....to paraphrase him..

"He glowed, it was like he had this brilliance around him."

Pretty cool coming from a tough retired cop that doesn't let his feelings be know often, if at all....