From Rome CBS Radio News: (rough transcription of update)
The Vatican has been transparent in allowing news media access to information about Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II is responsible for the change in how the Vatican views the media.
At this time, Pope John Paul II's condition is unchanged.
His heart and kidneys are failing. The Vatican said that this does not suggest that he is suffering.
He has a compromised state of consciousness, yet he is not in a comatose state.
He drifts in and out of consciousness. One Vatican source said that it appeared that the Pope is resting with his eyes shut.
Pope John Paul II has responded by opening his eyes when spoken to. He has also tried to speak in the past few hours.
An Aide assisted Pope John Paul II in writing a message to his beloved staff gathered in the Papal apartment. The Pope asked them not to be sad for him.
A doctor who is an infectious disease consultant says it is hard to predict, this could go on for many hours.
Outside the Vatican in St. Petersburg Square there are tens of thousands of people singing and cheering for the Holy Father.
Los Angeles Catholic Churches are having open vigils all day today. In Chicago, 900,000 people of Polish descent share a special bond with Pope John Paul II.
In Poland, the home country for the Holy Father there are continuing prayer vigils.
Poles feel a deeply personal connection to the Pope. Some knew him as a young priest when he was an active outdoorsman, ski companion. Others recall when he gave lectures on metaphysics.
I have literally camped out all night
on the couch in front of the TV. Looks
like he'll make Sunday?