Pope's Condition Worsens
Late Thursday night, light in the Pope’s apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square became a beacon to the world, announcing something was not right. Doctors were called in to care to the Pope. He had suffered cardio circulatory collapse and septic shock. All this comes after a urinary tract infection, recent throat surgery, and a ten year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His condition is “very grave”; this is the first time the Vatican has used such pessimistic language to describe the pontiff’s health. On Thursday the Pope was administered the Holy Viaticum, the Catholic last rites for the sick and dying. The pontiff has decided not to be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, but rather stay in his private apartment where he has full treatment also available.
Crowds of faithful are gathering on St. Peter’s Square. Prayers fill the atmosphere alongside the glow of lit candles. Cardinals from around the world, who are responsible for electing a new pope, are also making the journey to the Vatican.
Churches in Poland are filled with people praying for their Pope’s health.
(10:30 GMT – Official update from the Vatican: The pontiff’s condition is very serious, but stable. He is conscious, lucid, and calm.)