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Originally posted by Starman

John Paul II seems to be dying.

With the Vatican reaction to the Terri Schiavo case in mind, I demand that they hook him up to what ever life support systems they can find and afford (they can afford them all, I'll guess) to keep as much of his body alive as long as possible.

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Originally posted by Starman

John Paul II seems to be dying.

With the Vatican reaction to the Terri Schiavo case in mind, I demand that they hook him up to what ever life support systems they can find and afford (they can afford them all, I'll guess) to keep as much of his body alive as long as possible.

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(AP) Pope John Paul II gives his blessing from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's square at the...

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope John Paul II suffered heart failure during treatment for a urinary tract infection and was in "very serious" condition on Friday, the Vatican said. It denied an Italian news report that the pope was in a coma.

A Vatican update on his condition was expected between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. (1030-1100GMT).

Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a previous statement that the pope suffered septic shock and heart failure Thursday afternoon.

"This morning, the condition of the Holy Father is very serious," he said.

However, he said the pope had participated in a 6 a.m. Mass Friday and that he was "conscious, lucid, and serene."

The 84-year-old pontiff's health declined sharply Thursday, when he developed a high fever brought on by the urinary tract infection. The pope's wish to remain in his apartment at the Vatican and not be taken to the hospital was respected, Navarro-Valls said.

The pope received the sacrament for the sick and dying on Thursday evening, the statement said. Formerly called the last rites, the sacrament is often misunderstood as signaling imminent death. It is performed both for patients at the point of death and for those who are very sick - and it may be repeated.

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Hospitalized twice last month following two breathing crises and with a tube placed in his throat to help him breathe, John Paul has become a picture of suffering.

When he appeared at his apartment window Wednesday to bless pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, he managed to utter only a rasp.

Later that day, the Vatican announced he had been fitted with a feeding tube in his nose to help boost his nutritional intake.

John Paul's 26-year papacy has been marked by its call to value the aged and to respect the sick, subjects the pope has turned to as he battles Parkinson's disease and crippling knee and hip ailments.

It is not clear who would be empowered to make medical decisions for an unconscious pope. The Vatican has officially declined to comment whether John Paul has left written instructions.

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Originally posted by chaloobi

Yes, I read that the Pope's living will insists that all measures be taken to prolong his life as long as possible. Such fear of death doesn't seem particularly wise to me; especially since death leads to eternal life with God and the longer the Pope lingers on the longer the period the Church is effectively leaderless. On the other hand, you can chalk it up to cherishing life to it's most fullest extent, which is entirely consistent with the Church's policy on life. The Pope is actually setting an example for his flock.

On a side note, did anyone find GW's statement on the 'culture of life' in America leading to the protection of human life in all its forms - especially the most vulnerable - after Terri Shiavo's death to be ironic since he was governor of the state that most cherishes the death penalty? Who is more vulnerable in our society than the prisoner on Death Row in Texas?

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Originally posted by Siberia

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Originally posted by chaloobi

Yes, I read that the Pope's living will insists that all measures be taken to prolong his life as long as possible. Such fear of death doesn't seem particularly wise to me; especially since death leads to eternal life with God and the longer the Pope lingers on the longer the period the Church is effectively leaderless. On the other hand, you can chalk it up to cherishing life to it's most fullest extent, which is entirely consistent with the Church's policy on life. The Pope is actually setting an example for his flock.

On a side note, did anyone find GW's statement on the 'culture of life' in America leading to the protection of human life in all its forms - especially the most vulnerable - after Terri Shiavo's death to be ironic since he was governor of the state that most cherishes the death penalty? Who is more vulnerable in our society than the prisoner on Death Row in Texas?

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Actually, I heard the very opposite on the news, today - that the Pope does not want to have his life prolonged, as stated by himself, that he's home and refuses to be taken to a hospital.

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On a side note, did anyone find GW's statement on the 'culture of life' in America leading to the protection of human life in all its forms - especially the most vulnerable - after Terri Shiavo's death to be ironic since he was governor of the state that most cherishes the death penalty? Who is more vulnerable in our society than the prisoner on Death Row in Texas?

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