Pray For The Holy Father

 
The Pope is in a grave condition as reported by the Vatican:

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II remained in grave condition after suffering septic shock and heart failure, but was able to concelebrate Mass and pray with top aides, the Vatican said.

The pope's condition was "stationary" but "of considerable seriousness," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said at a midday briefing April 1. Although the pope was still conscious, his blood pressure was unstable and his other vital signs were impaired, the spokesman said.

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Navarro-Valls said the pope woke early April 1 and concelebrated Mass from his bed. During the morning, the pope asked aides to read him the 14 Stations of the Cross, a devotion he has followed every Friday, and the Liturgy of the Hours and passages of Scripture.

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Navarro-Valls said he visited the papal apartment the morning of April 1 and saw the pope. The spokesman, holding back tears, later told reporters: "Certainly, it was an image I have never seen in these 26 years. He was lucid and serene, but obviously having trouble breathing." The papal spokesman said the Vatican press office would remain open all day and all night.

The Vatican said that on March 31 Pope John Paul received "holy viaticum," a formal reference to the Eucharist when it is given to someone approaching death. The spokesman did not say whether the pope also received the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick, which usually are part of the last rites.

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Please, remember the Pope in your prayers.