Pope’s condition remains serious (LAST RITES ADMINISTERED)

[Tweed]

"Report: ‘Last rites’ administered
Italian media reported that the pope John Paul has received the Roman Catholic sacrament reserved for the sick and dying. The sacrament, which involves anointing the sick person with special oils, was once called last rites. It is now known as the Sacrament of the Infirm.

A Vatican spokesman said he could not confirm the reports but Church sources said it was likely the Pontiff had received the sacrament, given the precarious state of his health.

The sacrament is often misunderstood as signaling imminent death. But it is performed not only for patients at the point of death, but also for those who are very sick — and it may be repeated.

The last time the Pope was known to have received the sacrament was on May 13, 1981, the day he was shot and nearly killed in an assassination attempt in St Peter’s Square."

[Mnemosyne]

1. Well, he's had a long run and a very good life.

Unlike the short run of the previous pope that lasted what? a month?

How long can they keep him in suspended animation I wonder?

[Lady Sonelle]

2. I Wonder If There's Any Truth To The Rumour

that while the Pontiff lay sleeping in his hospital room, today, his feeding tube began to quiver, move and pull away from his body. It's reported that the tube's movements stopped when Cardinal Ratzinger stood up, waved a crucifix and shouted "Terrie! STOP that!"

Lady Sonelle

[Jamastiene]

4. ROTFLMAO

Oh, my God, that brought on a severe coughing spell, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Thank you. I needed some humor to end this miserable day of mine on a lighter note.

[Jamastiene]

3. He's been way way sick for a long time now.

I guess until they say he's actually dead, I'll just think he's really sick. I'm neutral kind of on this one.

Let's just hope the latest tabloids about Bill Clinton aren't true.

[Midnight Rambler]

5. Just like Sinatra, Johnny Cash...

All those guys were dying for years. The Pope seems to be in the same boat.