Report from BBC website at 9.16pm UK time


Pope John Paul II clings to life

Pope John Paul II's poor health has become even worse, the Vatican said.
His breathing is shallow, his blood pressure is low and he is having difficulties with both his heart and his kidneys, a spokesman said.

Millions of Catholics around the world have been praying for the Pope, and a special Mass was held for him in Rome where crowds are maintaining a vigil.

The Vatican made three statements in one day and seems to be preparing Catholics to expect the worst.
Cardinals - who will elect a new pope - are arriving in Rome from all over the world, the Italian media have reported.

The Pope's vicar general of Rome said the pontiff was already "at one" with Jesus Christ.
He "already sees and touches the Lord," Cardinal Camillo Ruini told a packed Mass in Rome's St John Lateran cathedral.

Another senior clergyman, Angelo Comastri, told about 30,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square: "This evening or this night, Christ opens the door to the Pope."

He later denied reports in the Italian media that the Pope had died.



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