Pope hospitalisation raises talk of succession

[emad]

02 Feb 2005 13:23:36 GMT

Source: Reuters

(Updates with first Vatican medical bulletin, paragraph 3)

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The sudden hospitalisation of Pope John Paul was another reminder, if any were needed, that one of the longest and most event-studded pontificates in history may be coming to a close.

The 84-year-old Pope was rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital with breathing difficulties late on Tuesday night after a bout of influenza suddenly deteriorated.

While a Vatican statement on Wednesday morning said his condition had stabilised after assistance with his breathing, the thought going through many minds was: "Who will be next?"

John Paul, now in the 27th year of his reign, is already the third-longest serving Pope in history, having been elected in 1978 as the first non-Italian Pontiff in 455 years.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L02113829.htm

[emad]

1. British Catholics Reassured over Pope's Health: The Scotsman

British Catholics Reassured over Pope's Health

By PA Reporters

Catholics in Britain were today reassured to hear better news of the Pope’s health as he continued to receive hospital treatment for breathing difficulties.

John Paul II, who has had flu since the weekend, was taken to hospital last night as his condition worsened.

The Vatican said tests showed his heart and respiration were normal and the 84-year-old pontiff had rested for several hours overnight.

He had “just a little fever,” papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4080859

[greatauntoftriplets]

2. I just head an NPR report on the succession....

and thought he had died while I was on my way to the office.

[emad]

4. Ailing Pope to stay in hospital: BBC News

Ailing Pope to stay in hospital


Pope John Paul II's condition has stabilised following overnight medical treatment that included respiratory assistance, the Vatican has said.

The 84-year-old pontiff was rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital with breathing difficulties on Tuesday night after a bout of flu suddenly worsened.

The Vatican said in a statement later that the condition of the Pope's heart and lungs were "within normal limits".

A spokesman added that he would remain in hospital "for another few days".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4228493.stm

[emad]

3. Seattle Post-Int: Poles offer prayers for ailing pope

By KRZYSZTOF KOPACZ
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER


WADOWICE, Poland -- People in Pope John Paul II's Polish hometown prayed Wednesday for their most famous son as coverage of his hospitalization dominated front pages and airwaves.

With the intense media focus, prayers for the pontiff's recovery were held at churches in Warsaw, Krakow and at the private chapel of Poland's Roman Catholic primate, Cardinal Jozef Glemp.

In Wadowice, a town of 20,000 people, prayers were offered at St. Mary's church, where the young Karol Wojtyla was baptized and attended Mass years before he became a priest.

"I wish the Holy Father good health," said Maria Pasnik, 46, a housewife. "I know the situation has improved and I pray that we can see or hear him again in Wadowice."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apeurope_story.asp?category=1103&slug=Pope%20Poland

[shoelace414]

5. The pope picks

the Cardinals that pick his sucessor..

so don't expect much changes from the last pope when this one <ahem> leaves office.

[emad]

6. Doing "an Arafat"???

Seem to remember that demise was a quick thing.

[bobbobbins]

7. Hopefully they just decide to pack it up and quit

they had a good run.

[Trajan]

8. Imagine, for a moment ....

Opus Dei extremist Antonin Scalia as Pope ......

NOW you can understand how they fucked up the world for a millenia ...

[emad]

9. Or Jeb Bush suddenly becomes man of the cloth after cataclysmic

revelation about his messianic destiny....and is fast-tracked all the way up the Via Dolorosa.....

[jdj]

10. So THAT'S the reason Ashcroft resigned. n/t