Pope's Condition Worsens

Let us all offer a prayer for Pope John Paul II. A man of God who changed the world in the last quarter century.

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Pope's Condition Worsens as World Prepares for Papacy's End
By IAN FISHER - New York Times

Published: April 1, 2005

ATICAN CITY, April 1 - Pope John Paul II's condition has further worsened, the Vatican announced this evening, with his breathing shallow and his kidneys failing to function properly as concern grew that his long papacy was nearing its end.

"The Holy Father - with visible participation - is joining in the continual prayers of those assisting him," the statement by his spokesman, Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls concluded.

The announcement follows a statement this morning that the pope was still conscious but that his health remains "very grave," after he suffered a series of serious blows to his already weak system on Thursday, including heart and circulatory collapse.