Posted on 04/02/2005 11:57:08 AM PST by CitizenM
Edited on 04/03/2005 6:40:57 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
(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 Popes 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 Pontiffs 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:
Rest in peace, man of god.
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From the BBC -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4404971.stm
World reaction to death of Pope
Pope John Paul II has died at the age of 84, ending one of the longest papacies in history.
Here are reactions from around the world following the announcement of the pontiff's death.
We all feel like orphans this evening.
Vatican Undersecretary of State Archbishop Leonardo Sandri
I was deeply saddened by the death of Pope John Paul II.
Quite apart from his role as a spiritual guide to more than a billion men, women and children, he was a tireless advocate of peace, a true pioneer in interfaith dialogue and a strong force for critical self-evaluation by the Church itself.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan
The world has lost a religious leader who was "revered across people of all faiths and none."
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
This mourning deeply marks France as well as every French person, who identifies with the message of the Catholic Church.
French President Jacques Chirac
The angels welcome you.
Vatican TV
Regards, Ivan
The Trinity of Freedom.
Anybody else have the displeasure of reading Hitchen's latest anti-Catholic bile?
http://slate.com/id/2116085/
This is really insulting, but what can you expect?
Learning to respect the worth of the human soul is a gift greater than any other. His example of steadfastness in this belief has brought me a peace I will have for the rest of my days.
Fabulous pic!
May he rest in peace.
Why link it here?
You should request your post be deleted.
rest in peace holy one
:) HaHa!!! I love it, Petronski!!! Judging by this thread, he has got quite a much larger "Rat Pack" though, huh? God Bless Our Holy Father!!
the wind just died down here and I can now hear the bells tolling from our church
Perfect Rememberance. Thanks!
I can't imagine who could follow in his footsteps.
Godspeed.
Indeed we have been blessed to live during his Papacy.
I feel a profound sense of loss. My husband so loved
this Pope, that our home is filled with statues of JPII.
I am looking at one now that's encased in glass and about 24" tall.
Terribly sad day, but his life is definitely one to celebrate, isn't it?
Weep, humanity, weep!
very grateful, I sure will.... Thanks, TBB :)
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