Medical Bulletin Released by the Vatican - 1/4/05

Medical Bulletin Released by the Vatican

Statement from chief Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls on Pope John Paul II’s condition.

This morning the health condition of the Holy Father is very serious.

Yesterday afternoon, March 31, as already announced, following a documented urinary tract infection, he had a septic shock with cardiovascular collapse.

The Holy Father was immediately attended to by the medical team on watch at His Holiness’ private apartment.

All the appropriate therapeutic measures and cardio-respiratory assistance were activated.

The Holy Father’s wish to remain in his apartment, where a complete and efficient sanitary assistance was guaranteed, has been respected.

In late afternoon yesterday, there was a temporary stabilisation of the clinical situation, which, however, evolved negatively in the following hours.

The Holy Father’s situation is attentively monitored and watched.

The Holy Father is conscious, lucid and serene. Yesterday at 7.17pm (1717GMT) he received the Sacrament of the Sick. At 6am today (0400GMT) the Holy Father concelebrated Mass.

The Cardinal Secretary of State and close aides of the Holy Father, united with him in prayer, follow the evolving clinical condition of His Holiness.

The Pope is attended to by his personal doctor, Dr. Renato Buzzonetti, by two intensive care doctors, a cardiologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist, and two nurses.

ENDS

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