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.

[Empireoftheatom48]

I was able to go to a general Audience in 84'. What struck me was how he conversed in so many languages. When he was finished he came down from his chair and walked down the center aisle greeting people to the left and right sides. One thing I noticed was that when he talked to a person, the person had his complete attention. Also many babies were passed up and down the pews for him to bless. It was a fantastic scene, one that I will never forget. Our family loved him so much!!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Yes. He had a good sense of humor.

[BigSkyFreeper]

We must pray for us since we will be deprived of his wisdom, his humility, his love and his humor.

I saw some video footage on Friday night of Pope John Paul laughing so hard at a couple of street clowns entertaining him, tears were streaming down his cheeks and he looked like he was going to fall out of his high-back chair.

[Cronos]

What would be the respectful and proper way for a Jewish person to say a prayer for the soul of John Paul The Liberator? Should it be done in a church or a shul?

Thank you for your sentiments. God would hear you wherever you pray. Thank you once more

[BigSkyFreeper]

Cardinal Mahoney was recounting what Pope John Paul had done when he visited Los Angeles in 1987. Pope John Paul was feeling a bit hungry, he walked through the crowd meeting and greeting everyone as he walked through, then without anyone knowing it, he quietly slipped into the kitchen of the chapel and helped himself to a bowl of soup in the kitchen, and JPII said he didn't want to trouble anyone.

[Cronos]

About 1.2 billion. Though, I'm not being fair -- I suppose many non-Catholics would consider themselves part of the Pope's admirers. I know the Rev. Billy Graham does. And I welcome them as brothers and sisters in Christ.

[anonymoussierra]

[Victoria Delsoul]

LOL! Speaking of cardinals, reminds me of this quote.

“It is unbecoming for a cardinal to ski badly."

[LibFreeOrDie]

Excellent article about Pope's final moments:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1552249,00.html

April 03, 2005

Don't weep for me
MATTHEW CAMPBELL, JOHN FOLLAIN, ROME, AND CHRISTOPHER MORGAN

(excerpt)

As the end approached, history's best travelled and third longest serving pontiff had urged his followers not to cry for him by dictating a message to his secretary.

"I am happy and you should be happy too," he said. "Do not weep. Let us pray together with joy."

His last moments were described early today by Father Jarek Cielecki, director of Vatican Service News, a Catholic TV channel. "The Holy Father died looking towards the window as he prayed, and that shows that in some way he was conscious," Cielecki said.

"A short while before dying, the Pope raised his right hand in a clear, although simply hinted at, gesture of blessing, as if he became aware of the crowd of faithful present in St Peter's Square, who in those moments were following the reciting of the Rosary," he added.

"Just after the prayer ended, the Pope made a huge effort and pronounced the word 'Amen'. A moment later, he died."

The official spokesman said the Last Rites had been administered again during a mass that began at 8pm. Fourteen people were present in the room as he died, including Archbishop Stanislao Dziwisz, his personal secretary, who had been with him for 40 years.

According to an unofficial report, the Pope died holding the archbishop's hand.

[Lilllabettt]

"Do not weep for me," dear children
Wipe your tears away
"I am happy, you be happy, too"
Be quiet now, and pray
"Be not afraid," for I will see you,
I will see you there again,
Body and Soul
In Jerusalem,
"Amen."

[BigSkyFreeper]

LOL!

[Cronos]

As a lifelong Catholic, I vaguely remember JP coming to the Papacy when in Kindergarten. Basically, he is all I have ever known as Pope.

Same here. I was born some months before he came to the Papacy and he will always be my Pope.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Great tagline :-D

[onyx]

We happened to be watching TV when POTUS and FLL arrived
at St Matthews. Husband used to worship there at lot.

[onyx]

Yes, thank you, I do love that photo.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Do you have any idea if President and Laura Bush are planning to attend the Pope's funeral?

[Alberta's Child]

I don't have to pretend to be stupid. LOL.

[Okies love Dubya 2]

Your tagline is wonderful! Who said the Pope never had a sense of humor?

[Victoria Delsoul]

I don't know.

[patriciamary]

A role model for all! A little off the subject but I let my daughter watch the kids choice awards which are live this evening.They talked about role models like Queen Laetitia?,but not a word about the Pope,not even a second.It is ashame with our children are being subjected too!