POPE JOHN PAUL, II HAS DIED OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM VATICAN IMMINENT (Breaking Nws) 9:37 PM Rome 4/2

FOX news | April 2, 2005

[CitizenM]

(Saturday) Vatican City, Rome Italy - The official Vatican announcement by Cardinal Ruini, is expected momentarily. Media is standing by as we watch and wait.

Synopsis of the Worldwide Two Day Vigil: "The Pilgrim Pope" - Since Thursday, March 31 and the announcement of the Pope’s critical condition, high fever, and urinary tract infection, and subsequent septic shock there has been a constant vigil of the faithful while media coverage has been continually providing updates along with stories, and historical information on this holiest of holy men. Early in the afternoon of Friday, April 1, international media and the people throughout the world were sent into frenzy that began immediately after the noontime Mass (where special prayers had just been offered for The Pontiff’s health and peace). While Mass was still being held, word somehow spread that the Pope had lost consciousness; and then the announcement that he had also suffered kidney failure. Shortly, a (false) broadcast on networks every proclaimed that The Pontiff had died. The world held its breath and waited for the “official” notification, while all over the mourning began, and people dropped to their knees in St. Peter's Square. People stopped working, televisions and radio commentators spoke in solemn tones. But, no "official” word came and well over fifteen minutes had passed. Finally a Vatican spokesperson announced that the Holy See was, indeed, still alive! Contrary to all announcements, his heart was beating and his brain was still functioning. Hours passed, and no news of any change in the Pope's condition was presented while people continued to pray and wonder. It was being assumed that the many procedures and preparations were being made within the Vatican. In the streets of Vatican City people noted the obvious security measures taking place: more barricades were erected, and more significant crowd control procedures were implemented in preparation for the expected rise in the vigilant. An additional number of streets were closed to motor traffic; a number of ambulances were placed on the immediate grounds for any required emergency assistance for the people. At approximately 5:00 p.m. (US EST) another announcement was made that John Paul, II was conscious and had never lost consciousness. Sorrowful, vigilant crowds have filled St. Peter’ Square rising to about 70,000 during the day Thursday. During that time hymns rang out spontaneously and a Rosary Ceremony was held. Churches filled with the prayerful around the world. In Poland, especially, people gathered in the streets and outside the building in Krakow where the Pope stayed when he visited what he always called “home.” Luminary candles were placed all over the grounds. Pilgrimages from all over Europe to Vatican City were announced underway and included Catholics and those of all faiths whose love, respect, and admiration of this Holy man transcends all religious and ethnic lines. The crows are expected to swell to over 100,000 in the Vatican. At 11:00 A.M (Rome time) Saturday, the Vatican , spokesman, Navarro-Fellas, made a statement that the Pope's condition remained “very grave” but basically unchanged. He was not in a coma, although there had been periods of unconsciousness ( medical commentators told us that was most likely due to the toxins that built up in his system). However, he would awaken and even interact and be alert. The spokesman related the Pope's love of the children. Note: He was so loved by them they nicknamed him “Papa,” and “JPII.”. A huge “World Youth Day” has been in the planning for years and was scheduled for Aug. 20, 2005, Cologne, Germany.( Message of the Holy Father To the Youth of the world on the Occasion of the 20th World Youth Day ) Navarro-Fellas related how the Holy Father had been told that mostly young people had been vigilant in the square the night before. That seemed to please him and he spoke, difficult to understand, but he said:

"I have looked for you, now you have come to me. Now I thank you." Later in the day it was reported that, although seriously ill, he had completed some official duties and assigned a few more bishops. Mentally, when he was awake, it was related, he was able to remain focused. So, from his bed he was still handling some unfinished business he wanted to finalize, it was said. His bedroom was described at one point (giving us a beautiful mental picture). We were told it was all white with white fluffy bedding, and John Paul, II was propped up in a semi-sitting position. It was described as serene and peaceful and His Eminence was receiving constant attention, particularly from the three nuns who have regularly cared for him. Saturday evening, dusk came again to Rome, and a candlelight vigil was renewed by the faithful around 6:00 PM. A respectful silence fell over the crowds as they awaited news. It was said that, again, that the crowd of approximately 60,000 contained a significant number of young people who, although respectful in their attendance, had become quite boisterous. Media personnel reported there was an air of reverence punctuated with jubilation for His Holiness, as they celebrated his coming passage into Heaven. It was not one bit an unruly crowd, and quite well-mannered. Finally around 7:00 PM (Rome) another update came from the chief spokesman, Navarro-Fallas, who presented the media with a written statement that read: “ The Pontiff had developed a high fever in the late morning. His physical condition is still quite serious. He is responding to household aides.” The message appeared somewhat terse but was, evidently, meant to dispel rumors that had arisen that he was in a complete coma. It was also noted on the broadcasts that the Holy See could have been experiencing periods of ecstasy/rapture that he has oft slipped into when in fervent prayer, and, perhaps, was not just “unconscious.” Since that is somewhat misunderstood by the majority of people, it was not openly discussed by the Vatican spokesperson. At the time of his death, and once it has been ascertained to be definite, and he has been removed from his bedroom, the Camerlengo of the Vatican locks and seals the private apartment of the Pontiff. The pope’s Fisherman’s ring with his unique seal are smashed with a silver hammer to symbolize the end of his reign and to prevent forgeries. No autopsy is performed. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger will then speak to the people. The Bronze Door, a massive portal beneath a portico off St. Peter's Square is closed and is kept shut until a new pontiff is elected When the dramatic closing of the shutters on the windows of the Pontiff's apartment takes place that serves as another traditional symbol to the world that Pope John Paul, II, (born Karol Wojtyla, May 18, 1920, Wadowice, Poland) the world’s first Polish pope, has completed his work and extraordinary reign of 26 years. He will have left his earthly bonds to take his well-deserved place of honor among the highest of angels. Peace, my dear Holy Father. May the love of the people you served so unselfishly surround and lift you as you rise, effortlessly, through the clouds. We rejoice. You are no longer suffering pain or discomfort, your journey is over and you will be rewarded with God's waiting embrace, and the open arms of Our Lady of Fatima for whom you had such special devotion. Pope John Paul, The Great Pope John Paul, II - May 18, 1920-April 2, 2005 Holy Father, you led us in life. You left us your love.

[NautiNurse]

JP I, the Smiling Pope served for 33 days. No autopsy, death listed as heart attack.

[unkus]

Thanks. I remember Lech Walesa kneeling and praying next to Ronald Reagan's casket in the Rotunda. It was very touching.

[Clara Lou]

Well, I meant "died pretty quickly." preview, preview, preview

[ELS]

I heard that Divine Mercy Sunday begins at 6PM on Saturday night. Has anyone else heard that? Any truth to this?

It would begin at sunset. I don't know exactly when the sun set in Rome, but the Pope died at 9:27pm local Rome time. That means the sun had set and it was Divine Mercy Sunday. It is quite fitting that the Almighty Father would call JPII home on Divine Mercy Sunday given that JPII had established it.

[hattend]

I just found it by googling it and saved it to "My Pictures" but I am a moron and have no clue how to post a picture here.... I'm sorry :(

to post a picture link, type:

< img src="URL of the picture file">

without the space between < and img

Example:
< img src="http://img10.exs.cx/img10/9904/motherteresapope8gi.jpg">

without the space is:

You can find the URL of the picture by right clicking on the picture and clicking on "properties". The picture must be on an internet server to make the link...it won't work if it's on your harddrive.

[MadIvan]

The Holy Father spoke to the great moral questions of the day, and was a consistent voice in favour of life. It was his last official act to speak up for Terri, and it shows that his moral message did not fade, even as his health did.

You can find that disgusting, I find it a testament to the strength of his principles.

Ivan

[Clara Lou]

Thanks for the info!

[MadIvan]

John Paul the First left his medications for his heart condition back in Venice. It's not my intention to criticise a former Pope, but I would like to ask him: "What were you thinking?"

Regards, Ivan

[Petronski]

You're correct. Why did you post it?

[Hand em their arse]

I know, I know I was just messin' with ya'!!! I'm pretty sure that it was listed as a heart attack, but there is ALOT of conspiracy crap surrounding it... But, in a nutshell if you want to ignore conspiracy theories... Heart Attack..

[Fury]

Just as I said that commentating recommenced.

You said it. Chris Matthews was making comments about the Pope, how he was "too conservative" by (paraphrase) "not continuing with the reforms of Vatican II" such as giving women more of a role in the Church, etc.

I believe it was the NY Times who mentioned that the Pope was "conservative" in not allowing women to be ordained into the Priesthood. M. Kondracke said the same last night on Special Report with Brit Hume.

Expect to see a lot of that clamor in the next few days and months by the same media, who will pride themselves in becoming experts on papal succession and also on knowing the nuances of the Roman Catholic Church. The same media which has castigated the Church will now become "experts" on the Church.

[NautiNurse]

Seems you are the one to bring politics into the subject.

[Okies love Dubya 2]

As a lifelong Catholic, I vaguely remember JP coming to the Papacy when in Kindergarten. Basically, he is all I have ever known as Pope.

We all knew this day was coming, and it doesn't make it any easier. What makes it easier is the life he lived and the reward he has gone to. If JP didn't make it to heaven, I hate to think what my chances are :)

To my fellow Catholics, we must remember John Paul's favorite saying: 'Be not afraid.' I am definitely not afraid knowing what a leader we had in him, I am not afraid because I know he is enjoying rest from his labors, and I am not afraid because I know that my Savior still lives.

To all non-Catholics: thank you for your kind words. This was a man of God, and you don't have to be one of the faithful of the Church to see it. We mourn his loss, we celebrate his life, and we anticipate the future as we look forward to a new leader.

Well done, good and faithful servant, John Paul II.

[Hand em their arse]

Awesome, thanks to both of you!!!

[NautiNurse]

Didn't know that about JP I--thanks.

[TexKat]

Pope John Paul II speaks to Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi during a private audience at the Vatican in this Nov. 4, 2004 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri, pool)

File photo of Pope John Paul II resting his hand on an Algonquin Indian while visiting with natives during a tour of Canada, on September 10, 1984. Pope John Paul II, the Pole who headed the Roman Catholic Church for 26 years and played a key role in the fall of communism in Europe, died on Saturday evening, the Vatican announced. He was 84. REUTERS/Andy Clark/FILE

File photo of U.S. President George Bush applauds Pope John Paul II after a welcoming ceremony prior to their audience at the Vatican, on November 8, 1991. Pope John Paul II, the Pole who headed the Roman Catholic Church for 26 years and played a key role in the fall of communism in Europe, died on Saturday evening, the Vatican announced. He was 84. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/FILE

Pope John Paul II sits between Islamic Higher Committee member Sheikh Taysir Tamimi, right, and Israel's Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, during an Interfaith gathering at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Institution in Jerusalem, Thursday March 23, 2000. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Arturo Mari, Pool)

U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, in this May 28, 2002 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photos/Doug Mills, File)

Mexican President Vicente Fox speaks with Pope John Paul II after the Pope's arrival to Mexico City in this July 30, 2002 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Claudio Cruz)

Pope John Paul II, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, meet at the Vatican in this June 5, 2000 file photo. Man in background is unidentified. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Paul Hanna, Pool)

Archbishop Christodoulos, leader of Greece's Orthodox Church, right, greets Pope John Paul II at the entrance of the Athens Archdiocese in Athens, Greece in this May 4, 2001 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Eurokinissi, Christos Bonis)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II exchange gifts at the Vatican in this Oct. 17 2000 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Pool)

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat kisses Pope John Paul II's hand prior to their talks at the Vatican in this Feb. 15, 2000 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Vatican/Arturo Mari)

Pope John Paul II, right, and Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama hugh each other as they meet during the closing ceremony of the Interreligious Assembly in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, in this Oct. 28, 1999 file photo.Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Arturo Mari, File)

Pope John Paul II listens as Fidel Castro makes remarks upon arrival at Jose Marti Airport in Havana, Cuba in this Jan. 21, 1998 photo, during a welcoming ceremony for a historic five-day visit. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis, File)

Civil rights activist Rosa Parks, right, presents a copy of her book 'Quiet Strength' to Pope John Paul II after a prayer service in the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, Mo. in this Jan. 27, 1999 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Laurie Skrivan, Pool)

President Bill Clinton greets Pope John Paul II during ceremonies on their arrival at Newark International Airport in Newark, N.J. in this Oct. 4, 1995 file photo. Air Force One is seen at background left. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

Pope John Paul II is welcomed by South African President Nelson Mandela, right, upon his arrival at Johannesburg airport at the start of his first official visit to South Africa in this Sept. 16, 1995 file photo. (AP Photo/Pool, File)

Pope John Paul II welcomes Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to the first meeting ever between a Kremlin chief and a Pope at the Vatican Dec. 1, 1989. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Massimo Sabucetti, File)

President Reagan shakes hands with Pope John Paul II on the podium at Miami International Airport, Fla., in this Sept. 10, 1987 file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty, File)

Pope John Paul II holds his arm around Mother Teresa as they ride in the Popemobile outside the Home of the Dying in Calcutta, India in this Feb. 1986 file photo file photo. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/File)

Pope John Paul II, is seen in this Aug. 29, 1985, file photo with Princess Diana and Prince Charles on occasion of their private audience at the Vatican. Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. (AP Photo/Vatican, Arturo Mari)

[hattend]

You said it. Chris Matthews was making comments about the Pope, how he was "too conservative" by (paraphrase) "not continuing with the reforms of Vatican II" such as giving women more of a role in the Church, etc.

Was it Chris Matthews who said that or Morton Kondrake?

[MikeReedKS]

I have set up a memorial for the Pope at http://rememberedbyus.com/PopeJohnPaulII/

Please visit and light a candle and leave a personal message.

My first memorial was for Ronald Reagan http://rememberedbyus.com/RonaldReagan/ and Freepers and others have lit almost 5000 candles for the Gipper.

I hope that you will give the same level of response for Pope John Paul. I thank you in advance for your visit.

[ContraryMary]

See the post I responded to.

[Schwaeky]

The two brave men who destroyed the seemingly impregnable Communist Empire of Europe, liberating 300 million people!!!

In all fairness, Pope John Paul II made the greater contribution. He reached out in a way that Reagan could not possibly do, and made the fall of Communism peaceful. In fact, Poland could and would become free without Lech Walesa and Solidarity, but without Karol Wojtola (his birth name), none of this would have been possible. The Cold War would have eventually ended, but not as hastily and not without much bloodshed. Poland was heavily entrenched in Communism when he became Pope, and his ascendancy became the hope of the Polish people that they had made it in the world, and that freedom was their birthright. He also tightly balanced the goal of freedom with preventing outright revolt against the communist government, which would precipitate a soviet invasion. Because their previous cultural, military and political leadership (which was ethnic Lithuanian predominately anyway) was wiped out in the Katyn massacre, it took the Pope (who inspired Walesa) to set the liberation of Poland in motion. He was not only the Holy Father of the Catholic Church, but he truly was the Father of modern democratic Poland.