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.

[don-o]

Thanks Ed.

Lord I love this place. Ask and one recieves.

[cyborg]

LOL

[edwin hubble]

President Bush has a good staff for details.

He chose St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington.
Pope John Paul said mass there in 1979 on his first U.S. visit.

John Kennedy's funeral was held in the same church.

[JennysCool]

What an extraordinary man. Rest in Peace, Holy Father.

[Hand em their arse]

WHOA!! There goes an old guy.........really long beard....

Jeez, now I'm getting nervous :O

[TwoSue]

And he got Felos off the tv.
I hope the next Pope is half as wonderful as Karol Wojtyla.

[eastsider]

I heard that Divine Mercy Sunday begins at 6PM on Saturday night. Has anyone else heard that? Any truth to this?

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia entry for Sunday, the Jewish method of reckoning days from sunset to sunset hasn't been followed since the Middle Ages:

The method of reckoning the Sunday from sunset to sunset continued in some places down to the seventeenth century, but in general since the Middle Ages the reckoning from midnight to midnight has been followed.

According to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of New York, both traditions of reckoning the liturgical day are ancient:

The method by which the beginning of the day is reckoned appears to have had a significant impact on the formation of the observances of Great Week. Two such methods co-exist in the liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church. One is of Judaic origin, while the other is Roman-Byzantine. According to the former, the day is reckon­ed from one sunset to the next. According to the latter, the day begins at midnight. It could be argued that the Roman-Byzantine method, which was incorporated into the laws of the Empire, became the dominant of the two methods. Accordingly, evening observances that once began the liturgical day (according to the Judaic practice), were seen more and more as celebrations of anticipation rather than part of the feast itself. As such, the evening observances of the great feasts acquired the characteristics of a vigil. In the Constantinopolitan tradition these vesperal services were called aapa4ovA - paramone. The paramone consisted of solemn vespers with Scripture lessons. Sometimes, as in the case of Pascha, Christmas and Theophany, the paramone con­cluded with a Eucharist. Once the evening celebrations were no longer considered as the beginning of a particular festival, it became easier to dislodge them from their original setting.

Given that I haven't found any canonical authority defining the beginning of the liturgical day, I'm partial to Pyro7480's terminology in post #311: the period between sunset and midnight is a cusp, so that Pope John Paul II can properly be said to have gone to his reward at the end of the First Saturday by the modern method of reckoning and at the beginning of Divine Mercy Sunday by the ancient method of reckoning.

Having said that, I am confident that his feast day will be celebrated on April 2, not April 3.

[Hand em their arse]

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

Man, there's alot of great photos on this thread.... Anybody have the one when he met with Castro and wore the "I'm with Stupid" t-shirt???

[NanaDory8]

Can't you just picture that hug. Jesus and Pope John Paul II.

[ELS]

How can one go to a vigil Mass on Saturday and have it count as their Sunday obligation if Sunday hasn't begun at sunset?

[Guvmint_Cheese]

I'm watching the mass at St. Patrick's on Fox, and I noticed that Cardinal Egan is known as "Edward Cardinal Egan." Could someone please explain why he is not "Cardinal Edward Egan"? I'm not Catholic so it struck me curious.

My prayers go out to all Catholic FReepers out there. He was truly a great man.

[ContraryMary]

John Paul II was the first Pope to visit the White House. There was some speculation on Fox News today about whether W. himself would attend the funeral.

[ContraryMary]

That's the way all Cardinals are addressed. I don't know the historical reasons for it.

[texasbluebell]

[CitizenM]

I feel blessed that I lived when John Paul II was Pope

Yes, and we are blessed to be living to observe his death. I still cry off and on, but they are truly tears of joy.

[ContraryMary]

How can one go to a vigil Mass on Saturday and have it count as their Sunday obligation if Sunday hasn't begun at sunset?

Because we Catholics are a little flexible on when "sunset" begins. Normally any Mass after 5pm on Saturday fulfills your Sunday obligation.

[The KG9 Kid]

An absolutely wonderful man has passed. I haven't anything but the highest respect for him and the judgement of the Catholic church leadership that allowed such a man to represent them.

He was a truly lawful good champion for peace and freedom and his presence will be sorely missed.

[IPWGOP]

[Pyro7480]

In the presence of the President, the First Lady, and millions of TV viewers, Cardinal McCarrick is preaching about the Divine Mercy message, mentioning St. Faustina by name. As much as I have disagreed with him on various steps he has taken, I'm glad he done this.

[potlatch]

Thanks for your ping smartA. I am very sad over the loss of Pope John Paul 11. I felt a special connection to him as he was Polish and bore my first name, [C] Karol.