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.

[CitizenM]

What a guy, our President is. No special announcement. There, humbly in honor of the Pope. In the midst of his busy schedule, he goes to the most beautiful Cathedral in our country, and joins all of us in our reverant praise.

I have been there many times. I have chills now just thinking the President is walking there, too...and John Paul, II's spirit is with him.

What a wonderful time to be alive. Rejoice! Rejoice! God has given us the most wonderful gifts!

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST. SING GLORY TO GOD. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH!

[don-o]

The National Cathedral or the Shrine?

[Fury]

Was it Chris Matthews who said that or Morton Kondrake?

Both...

[Hand em their arse]

Cyborg, where are you???

[Lonely Bull]

I looked elsewhere, and two separate sources (a USNO website and software) actually give the hour of sunset as 7:37 pm--just about the very minute.

A Mass is beginning at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington (covered on TV, but FNC had coverage without commentary--until now, the first reading). The President and First Lady are attending. Theodore Cardinal McCarrick began speaking (and had directly addressed them). The propers, at least going by the first reading, are those of the Sunday.

[don-o]

That's the spirit, hand em. I had to drop a dime on one fool; but so far this is a clean and green thread. Let's all help keep it that way.

Do not reply to trolls and ugly posters. Use your abuse button. It works.

[cyborg]

Long Island :-)

[george wythe]

I thank the Polish people for raising such a fine man and model Christian, and then sharing him with us.

Karol Wojtyla taught us many lessons before he became Pope, and then he kept making a difference for the whole world after he became Pope John Paul II.

Today's a day of both mourning and celebrating. As the Bible says, when a child is born, we don't know what his future will be.

In contrast, when a good man dies, we know his good name and heavenly reward are secure forever.

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1

[Salvation]

John Paul II Gallery of Pictures [Photos]

[texasbluebell]

Well, they said St. Matthews, I think they said it was the Cathedral.

[Northern Yankee]

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

We came out of the wedding Mass and heard the news.

God welcome into your home thy good and faithful servant.

[Schwaeky]

Transitonal Pope: meaning as in a relatively elderly person, a lot older than John Paul II was when he became Pope (only 58 years old). John XXIII was in his early-mid seventies when he succeeded Pius XII. Paul VI who succeeded him was relatively robust at his conclave, but was nonetheless in his mid to late sixties. John Paul I (Albino Luciani) was not remarkably old (although older than his successor), but as we were to find out his health was collapsing and he soon died. Someone who would not necesarily rock the boat and would pave the way for another Pope to eventually take the reigns upon his death.

[SerpentDove]

A true servant of Christ. We need more men like him, who exhibit unwavering faith and stand up for what is right.

God bless my Catholic brothers and sisters.

[Hand em their arse]

"Use your abuse button. It works."

Yeah, thanks Don-o... I had to bang out a couple myself yesterday, unfortunately AND fortunately there's alot of passion here... :)

[edwin hubble]

St. Matthew's Cathedral is one of the most impressive houses of worship in the United States. The red brick church, designed by C. Grant La Farge in 1893, has eclectic features inspired by Italian churches. The simplicity of the exterior contrasts with the rich decorations of the interior. Its imposing copper ribbed dome is one of the visual focal points of the Washington skyline.

The Roman Catholic parish of St. Matthew's was established in 1839 to relieve the overcrowding at St. Patrick's Church. On July 22, 1939, Pope Pius XII announced that the archdiocese of Washington was established and that St. Matthew's was its cathedral.

In 1947 Washington was made an independent archdiocese, and St. Matthew's continues as a cathedral.

The cathedral has been the site of a number of important services, most notably the funeral of President John F. Kennedy on November 25, 1963. Today a memorial marks the location of Kennedy's casket during the service. Pope John Paul II celebrated mass at St. Matthew's in 1979.

[Petronski]

It was spot on.

[potlatch]

Thanks for the ping Meek, I've been following it on TV. This Holy mans death is a great loss to the world.

[Hand em their arse]

Ha! Same here, I'm in Jersey....

I'm pretty sure I just saw a couple of each animal go by..... not sure what that means???

[Miss Marple]

I feel blessed that I lived when John Paul II was Pope. He has inspired me to serve my family, to suffer pain (arthritis) without complaint, and to value all people, even the contingent from DU.

I am thankful the Lord let him serve us, and I will never forget him. Rest in peace, John Paul II, good and faithful servant!

[Lady Jag]

Thank you for posting that photo. I'd never seen it before and it's beautiful,