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.

[samiam1972]

Thank You! My heart is happy. It is fitting.

[tinamina]

The ordination of women was the downfall of the Episcopal Church. I will be devastated if the Roman Catholic Church goes that way. As a Bishop once xplained it to me, God is the Father, Jesus the Son. If God is now the Mother, then Father and Son become unimportant as the head of the family. That progression of thought is obvious im apostate churches of today, and the resultant influence of this thinking is evident in the state of American families today. The Catholic Church MUST stay away from this type of feminism.

[xp38]

I'm not Catholic but I would guess it has to do with the large change in status in so many ways when one is elevated to the papacy. Perhaps someone who is better versed in Roman Catholicism can answer your question more definitively.

[LouD]

If I am not mistaken, that picture was taken at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and the Holy Father was teasing the East German Border Guards, who were looking at him through binoculars.

Incidentally, around the time of his visit to Berlin, the East Germans built a television tower with a large round observatory at the top. Light refracting off the observatory formed a perfect cross, so the Berliners began calling the tower the "Pope's Revenge."

[missyme]

Amen and Amen..God Bless Pope John Paul, I feel so sad..
May Jesus welcome him with eternal Peace and Happiness..

We will miss the great man you are....

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen.

[Hand em their arse]

"Wow, that's such a Christian attitude on a thread about the passing of the Holy Father."


You are right and I apologize... I should not have made that type of comment to you on this thread...

If you read the first part of my comment, you'd also see that we've been quite serene, pleasant and frankly, almost family-like in our posts and in our shared remembrances... You jumped in on your first post to the threead with a bad attitude and I didn't think it was appropriate.... I do take back what I said Mary and ask that you accept my apology, I am sorry...

Dave

[kstewskis]

To my fellow Catholics, we must remember John Paul's favorite saying: 'Be not afraid.'

Extending that saying to all Christians:

I have this image, with the saying "Be Not Afraid," hanging on my wall as a tapestry.

It means more to me today, than ever.

[spookycc]

Thank you so much for this thread, CitizenM. I went to church for Saturday PM Mass, and I was the only one crying. I wouldn't even consider myself a devout catholic, but I feel like a lost sheep. I knew I could find some comfort here. I always do.

[moondoggie]

In Memoriam...... This is a nice page. It it doesn't appear as a hyper-link, will one of you who is more computer-saavy please fix it for me??? http://www.bittsandbytes.com/APRIL_2005/SPECIAL/SPECIAL.html

[ILBBACH]

I thought you'd all appreciate this photo even though it's not W.

RIP

[george wythe]

That's the way I remember these two giants of my lifetime.

Thank you for the picture.

[xsmommy]

and he seemed almost like a grandfather, to me, because of being Polish. it will not be the same without him.

[CitizenM]

You are all such beautiful people. It will take me forever to read all the posts. And every picture is beautiful. These are all expressions to save forever and read at times of stress.

Isn't it wonderful to behold such unity?!!!

And to think, all over the world people in unison loved this exalted man and felt his passing touch their hearts.

The world's words of praise and devotion compose Pope John Paul, II's "Ode To Joy!" And the Trumpeter Angels in Heaven will play this song that we have lifted on his behalf as he passes through the golden gates.

Welcome Great John Paul, II. Welcome To Heaven!

[Petronski]

President and Mrs. Bush arrive unexpectedly at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington DC for Mass.

[Hand em their arse]

I did not see the #662 comment but would not doubt if it was directed at me for a previous post I made... If that was the case, I apologize to the group on the thread... This should be a thread in which NO COMMENTS should need deleting, so if it was me that caused it, I am sorry to all of you....

[ContraryMary]

Dave, Thank you for the apology. I still think the particular post was inappropriate for this thread; if my response sounded harsh, I apologize.

Regards,
CM

[texasbluebell]

President and Mrs. Bush have just made a surprise stop at the Cathedral in DC for the evening Mass.

On Fox.

[StarFan]

Foxnews showing President Bush attending a mass at St. Matthews Cathedral, which was quite unexpected.

[missyme]

Beautiful!
GOD Bless Pope John Paul....Let us pray with a grateful heart for what the lord has done for us by blessing us with a wonderful man to admire as we honor him today...