The Vatican is confirming the medical condition of John Paul II is "very serious."
Through the night the Pope suffered several setbacks including a cardiac and pulmonary collapse. Reports say that the Pope is conscious and serene, but continues to have difficulty breathing.
Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls held a press conference to discuss the Pope's condition. The normally unflappable Valls was on the verge of tears as he described his feelings toward the Pope. "Certainly, this is an image that I haven't seen before in these 26 years," he said, his voice breaking up.
Dr Navarro-Valls said that the Pope's health was "at this moment stable," though it remained in a condition of "considerable seriousness." He also reported that the Pope's blood pressure remained unstable.
Dr. Navarro-Valls also confirmed that the Pope had received the sacrament for the sick - also called the last rites- but emphasized that the sacrament does not mean the imminent death of a patient. It is often given to those who are gravely ill. John Paul II has received the sacrament on several occasions including in February before throat surgery and in the 80's after an assassination attempt.
More later as events develop.
The New York Times > International > Europe > Pope in 'Very Grave' Condition After Suffering Heart Failure
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