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:
Not so. See the post I responded to.
His post was perfect. You are politicizing this thread.
Thanks for all of the wonderful pictures and captions.
It was inappropriate.
I'm filled with quite a bit of envy today -- envious for not being as close as those standing outside his bedroom window hoping he heard my prayers and envious of those whom I lost who are welcoming this magnificent man Home. This man has devoted his life to what awaits him and that too leaves me with envy.
When I saw people applauding the news, I was taken aback until realizing that Heaven and Earth are celebrating his arrival.
Offering my prayers
When did you get here???
Nice first post on the thread, by the way... If you haven't noticed, we've so far been fine today without you.... Frankly, and I don't want to put words in other people's mouths here but, it sure as heck wouldn't bother me a lick if you were to just, piss off....
Leni
Many of us saw something more spiritual. I pray you find peace in your soul.
This has all sorts of interesting info on JP I, the Pope who served for only a month:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_I
You all realize if I attempted that right there, I'd be here until Thursday, right??? :)
____________________________________
You surprise me Ivan. Pleasantly so.
Prayers for a great man. I am not Catholic but have tremendous respect for this man. Best to all my Catholic brothers and sisters here on FR. Now is the time for joy not grief.
LOL--the photos with Castro and Bubba are interesting too, when compared with the rest.
Wow, that's such a Christian attitude on a thread about the passing of the Holy Father.
"Many of us saw something more spiritual. I pray you find peace in your soul."
However ContraryMary, in the meantime you could...... ok, I'm sorry NaughtiNurse, I won't say bad things anymore... :)
For us you leave behind, we are truly thankful that God gave us your leadership and love.
Joannes Paulus Magnus, Requiescat in Pacem.
Oh, my goodness!
Well...I might be too!
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