Pope is conscious, followed the Way of the Cross
Vatican (AsiaNews) Pope John Paul II is "conscious, lucid and serene". This morning he took part in the holy mass, prayed and listened to readings from the Holy Scriptures, and met his aides.
His condition is stable except for unstable blood pressure, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters in a brief press conference.
Visibly moved, Navarro-Valls said that the Pope performed his Via Crucis devotions, as he does every Friday, whilst aides read the 14 stations. At every station he did the sign of the Cross.
Here is the Dr Navarro Valls's press release:
"The Pope is conscious, lucid and serene, but his condition is very grave following a septic shock and a cardio-circulatory collapse when he developed a urinary tract infection. He is being assisted by his personal physician Dr Renato Buzzonetti, by two specialists in reanimation, by a cardiologist, by an otorhinolaryngologist, and by two nurses. The Holy Father's wish to remain in his private apartments was respected.
This morning he received communion and asked that the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross be read. He did the sign of the Cross at each one.
Afterwards he listened to the Liturgy of the Hours and met some of his closest aides, among them Cardinals Sodano, Ruini and Ratzinger. He also asked that some passages from the Holy Scriptures be read.
His condition is stable but very grave; in particular, his blood pressure is unstable and his vital signs are altered.
Navarro-Valls added that the press office will remain open tonight.
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11/02/2009
