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.

[MikefromOhio]

prayers for the Pope....the only one I have known....

[onyx]

Much appreciated Ernie.
Love for JPII knew no boundaries.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Thank you for that picture. These two great men made the world a better place for so many.

RIP Holy Father.

[radiohead]

Rest in Peace.

I have tried to learn something about bearing the burdens of age and disease from his grace and dignity in doing both.

[cyborg]

ping to this for your files

[eastsider]

On July 13 (two months before the miracle of the sun), our Lady stated, "... I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heard, Russia will be converted and there will be peace. If not ... the good will suffer martyrdom; the Holy Father will suffer much." On Dec. 10, 1925, Our Lady came with the child Jesus to Lucia (who had became a Sister), in her convent cell in Pontevedra, Spain, to request the First Saturday Devotion. On June 13, 1929 at Tuy in Spain, our Lady returned to Sr. Lucia and requested the Consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart.

Today is the First Saturday of the month.

[GoldwaterChick]

Amen to that. We were blessed to share the earth with such a great man. My immediate picture was of Pope John Paul arriving at the Pearly Gates in his skis! I mean no disrespect--he was a very charming man. Guess I was thinking about the editorial treatment of his passing. His life was an inspiration of all of us. May God Bless his soul.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

Pope JOHN-PAUL II's first words as Pope was to tell us all not to be afraid.

Translation:

Have no Fear...
For we are all very dearly LOVED,
As we are and are not,
By the LOVE Itself and...
By those around us who...
Really do care for us.

.

[Hand em their arse]

Thank you so much for posting that..... That is my absolute favorite song, can't sing it, or for that matter even read it without crying....

"Be Not Afraid" and "Footprints" are forever etched in my brain... Those words from both have carried me through so much in my life... Thank You Again Mo1

[Halls]

Yes they are, and they are sharing a glorious moment, I'm sure!

[neutrality]

Rest in peace

[MadIvan]

Said this earlier:

Passing of Greatness
By IvanGroznii on Apr 02, 2005 - 04:55 PM
http://www.rightgoths.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=38

On a bright Sunday afternoon in November 1999, I was standing in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. My family and I had just attended Sunday Mass, my feet were sore as it had been standing room only, and the scent of incense was lingering as it wafted out of the immense cathedral.

As I walked through the crowds of believers, some holding flags and signs indicating their country of origin, my father tapped me on the shoulder and pointed at a building in the distance. I could see from my vantage point that a window had opened, and there stood a small figure in white. It was the Holy Father.

I felt a lump in my throat, a feeling that one has been called to penance and prayer, and an overwhelming sense that God is not just a distant entity, but rather, is with us and among us. Logic, reason, and worldly wise cynicism all were abandoned: it was a brief moment of pure faith. The Holy Father then waved to the crowd, spoke a few words of blessing which boomed out to the throng through a loudspeaker, waved again, and then withdrew.

I never forgot that moment, and have been thankful for the Holy Father’s presence in the world. While I am not a particularly good Catholic, it was always good to have an example of faith, and to be reminded of God’s presence. The Holy Father reminded me that while I am a sinner, there was always the chance, and the encouragement to do better.

Now the Holy Father is dying. Moments tick by, counting out the portions by which his life ebbs away. News cameras are focused on that window from which he spoke in 1999, this time awaiting the light to go out. It will be a signal that his great spirit has gone to eternal rest and reward. Yet amidst the media coverage and the hype and the spin and the tributes, it must be remembered that greatness like his is fleeting, and that we should cherish it as the special gift it is.

It is clear that the Holy Father stands tall among his peers, as great popes are rare popes. Sometimes popes can be mediocre, other times, downright diabolical: for example, Pope Alexander VI was a member of the Borgia family, father of the infamous Lucretia, and notorious for his mistresses and poisoning his rivals. Other examples are even worse: according to legend, the debauched Pope John XII toasted the devil at the high altar.

However this Pope has not only been consistent in his affirmation of the value of human life and traditional Catholic values, he can, unlike his peers, take credit for having played a huge role in liberating millions. His visit to his native Poland after becoming Pope, reaffirmed for the Catholic peoples of Eastern Europe that there was a greater, grander alternative to the slavish doctrines of Marxism and Leninism. With that faith in hand, Poland was able to gather its strength to throw off Communism. That proved to be sufficient inspiration for the other nations in the Communist bloc to also throw off their Soviet masters.

In addition, the Holy Father has overseen a vast expansion of his flock, particularly in the Third World. For example, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has been gaining in strength, in spite of the pressures it faces from the Islamic community.

Furthermore, the Holy Father has preached reconciliation with other faiths, and relations between the Church and the Protestant and Jewish faiths have greatly improved.

While there have been failings, such as dealing with the paedophile scandals in the Church, overall, the Church is broader, stronger and operating in a freer world thanks to the presence of the Holy Father. Perhaps this explains his enduring appeal, and why the faithful, both young and old, are praying for him in droves on the streets of Rome and Krakow, and in churches throughout the world. Or perhaps in addition to his achievements, this deep affection for him lies in his modesty, his charisma, his humour and his obvious faith.

Whatever the reason, as twilight enters the life of John Paul II, and the Father of us all calls him home, it is important to recognise that he was special. His time on this earth, on a cosmic scale, has been as fleeting as one of his appearances at the window with a call to embrace God, faith and prayer. Yet we are better for it, should be grateful for it, and hope that as he shuts his eyes for the last time, that what he built will endure.

Regards, Ivan

[End Times Sentinel]

Your work is done, Pontiff.  God Bless you and recieve your reward.

 

Owl_Eagle

(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,

 it was probably sarcasm)

[onyx]

First time I have seen that particular pic.
I love it.
Thanks again.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

That wasn't quite theologically right, but anyway, Jesus, Mary, I love you! Thank you for sharing John Paul with us.

[freecopper01]

May they walk in the eternal garden, discussing the Most Holy Son Of God, Jesus.

Amen.

Two wonderful men.

[Wolfstar]

Such is the way of all flesh.

[armymarinemom]

Sad day. I'm not Chatolic but I had a lot of respect for his work.

[El Conservador]

:'(

It's devastating for me!!!

He's the only pope I've ever known in my life.

All my prayers go to him so he can have a safe trip home to God's Glory, to meet with Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Mary, Mother of God.

Thanks for everything, Karol. May God plentifully reward you in Heaven.

Amen.

[newzjunkey]

What a shame but he was strong until the very end. Bless him and, if there is more beyond, I hope he continues to intercede on our behalf. We need all the help we can get.

Rest in peace, John Paul II.