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POPE JOHN PAUL, II HAS DIED OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM VATICAN IMMINENT (Breaking Nws) 9:37 PM Rome 4/2
FOX news | April 2, 2005

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: Image Hosted by ImageShack.us "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. Image Hosted by ImageShack.usEarly 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. Image Hosted by ImageShack.usThe 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. Image Hosted by ImageShack.us 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. Image Hosted by ImageShack.us 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. Image Hosted by ImageShack.usAt 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:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us "I have looked for you, now you have come to me. Now I thank you."Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
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.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.usImage Hosted by ImageShack.usImage Hosted by ImageShack.us
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
Image Hosted by ImageShack.usPope John Paul, II - May 18, 1920-April 2, 2005 Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Holy Father, you led us in life. You left us your love.


TOPICS: Breaking News; Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: announcement; catholic; death; deceased; dies; holyfather; holysee; italy; johnpaulii; newerabegins; official; passes; passing; pontiff; pope; popejohnpaul; popejohnpaulii; requiescatinpace; restinpeace; statement; vatican
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To: virgil
He was a great Pope and a wonderful inspiration in my life. I was a high school senior when he became Pope. Just starting out in life. God Bless him and may he welcome this soul into his Kingdom.

I suspect we are near the same age. I remember that there were two Popes that died suddenly prior to Pope John Paul being annoited. He turned out to be one of the greatest men of the 20th Century. It is strange how God's will gets done sometimes.

321 posted on 04/02/2005 12:40:52 PM PST by GWB00
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To: ChadGore

Tim Russert on NBC...while video played of he and his wife (Maureen Orth) met the Pope says that everyone he was with felt the undeniable essence of holiness in this man.


322 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:15 PM PST by cyncooper
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To: WestVirginiaRebel

That is beautiful WVR....


323 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:21 PM PST by Hand em their arse
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To: MadIvan
One gets the eerie sense that the Holy Father's last mission was to speak up for Terri.

Even to the point of receiving a feeding tube, himself.

God bless the Pope. May you rest in peace.

324 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:24 PM PST by nicmarlo
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To: CitizenM

can't hold tears back...


325 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:28 PM PST by Condi4Prez (ITALY stands with the U.S.)
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To: CitizenM
An amazing tribute to this great and galant man here:

http://www.bc.edu/publications/bcm/spring_2001/ft_pope.html

326 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:31 PM PST by ChadGore (VISUALIZE 62,041,268 Bush fans.)
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To: tjwmason

If Blair goes, will Bush go?


327 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:32 PM PST by Pyro7480 ("All my own perception of beauty both in majesty and simplicity is founded upon Our Lady." - Tolkien)
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To: WestVirginiaRebel

That is one terrific picture. thanks.


328 posted on 04/02/2005 12:41:55 PM PST by softwarecreator
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To: cyncooper
Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâces, le Seigneur est avec vous,
Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes, et Jésus le fruit de vos entrailles est béni.

Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pauvres pécheurs,
maintenant, et à l'heure de notre mort. Ainsi-soit-il.


329 posted on 04/02/2005 12:42:18 PM PST by Petronski (I thank God Almighty for a most remarkable blessing: John Paul the Great.)
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To: Former Military Chick

Amen..wonderful words.


330 posted on 04/02/2005 12:42:27 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: no more apples
Pope John Paul II was a man.

Yes, but, as we both know, an extraordinary man and a gift to mankind.

331 posted on 04/02/2005 12:42:31 PM PST by iconoclast (Conservative, not partisan.)
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To: onyx

you're welcome--I didn't notice till now that someone had already posted it. I chuckled when I first saw that pic,
had to be about 20 yrs ago (early in his papacy)


332 posted on 04/02/2005 12:42:44 PM PST by raccoonradio
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To: raccoonradio

"I'm feel ashamed, the President is standing, the Prime Minister is standing, the Cardinal is standing- only I'm sitting"

John Paul II during his visit to Poland in 2002

God bless him and rest in Peace...

He was a wonderful man, and for me as a Polish it's even more difficult to face the fact he's died...


333 posted on 04/02/2005 12:42:44 PM PST by SpikeMike (Even a stopped clock, gives the right time, twice a day....)
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To: onyx; cyncooper

334 posted on 04/02/2005 12:42:47 PM PST by EllaMinnow
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To: All

335 posted on 04/02/2005 12:43:04 PM PST by amdgmary (Please visit www.terrisfight.org and www.theempirejournal.com)
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To: CitizenM

Welcome home, thou good and faithful servant.


336 posted on 04/02/2005 12:43:24 PM PST by IronJack
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To: All
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT 9:37 OUR VERY MUCH LOVED JOHN PAUL, II RETURNED TO HIS FATHERS HOME. LET'S PRAY FOR HIM.

337 posted on 04/02/2005 12:43:29 PM PST by CitizenM (An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded. Pope John Paul II)
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To: MadIvan; american colleen; sandyeggo; Desdemona; AlbionGirl; AnAmericanMother; ELS; sockmonkey; ...
One gets the eerie sense that the Holy Father's last mission was to speak up for Terri.

Regards, Ivan

Yes, indeed.

338 posted on 04/02/2005 12:43:49 PM PST by Siobhan (Theresa Marie Schindler, Martyr for the Gospel of Life, pray for us.)
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To: WestVirginiaRebel

What a BEAUTIFUL picture. Thank you so much. My tears started flowing upon seeing that!


339 posted on 04/02/2005 12:43:49 PM PST by justshe (Become a monthly donor; eliminate Freepathons!)
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To: Siobhan

Amen


340 posted on 04/02/2005 12:43:53 PM PST by Frank_2001
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