Pope's Dying Brings to Mind Plight of Christ

An entire generation of young Catholics has lived under the Papacy of Pope John Paul II, never knowing another Holy Father, never witnessing the transition of rule over the Holy Roman Catholic Church from one Pontiff to the next. And now, after 26 1/2 years as the Successor of St. Peter, it appears that Christ is at last "opening his doors to Pope John Paul II," as Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vicar of Rome, worded it on Friday evening.

I am one of the many among this generation of young Catholics who has lived his entire life knowing no other Pope. Seeing the events of the last 24 hours unfold and the comments made by many of our visitors to this blog, I am awestruck by the overwhelming affection for this man Karol Jozef Wojtyla in what may be his final hours in this world.

While watching the television newscasts late into the night, the death of Jesus comes to my mind now more than ever before. Now I am witnessing for the first time in my life the man at the Head of our Church, whom we call the Vicar of Christ, follow Jesus into death. He dies as an example of suffering and faith.

Sun Rises in Vatican City; Faithful Wait, Pray

The sun has risen in Vatican City, and people are beginning to gather once again in St. Peter's square to wait and pray. Italian newspapers have reported the Pope's death, but as of right now, the Vatican press office is closed and there has been no official word. Rumors abound that we may get an update at 3 AM EST.

A note that the Pope wrote last night is a comfort to us at this time. "I am happy, and you should be as well. Let us pray together with joy."

Live Streaming Video of St. Peter's Square

Thanks to Shawn Wasson for bringing this to my attention. Live video of St. Peter's Square is available from the Washington Post. Note that this video requires RealPlayer.

Vatican Health Minister: Pope "About to Die"

Night has fallen in Rome. With a few thousand people (as many as 70,000 earlier) gathered around St. Peter's Square on Friday night, Pope John Paul II's Papacy is coming to a close. The man sometimes referred to as the "Great Communicator" is suffering massive heart problems, breathing difficulties, and kidney failure. Vatican health minister Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan told a Mexican news outlet that the Pope "is about to die," also adding that he had spoken with doctors and "there is no more hope." According to the Associated Press via CBC News Canada:

"This evening or this night, Christ opens the door to the Pope," Angelo Comastri, the Pope's vicar general for Vatican City, told a crowd at St. Peter's Square, where up to 70,000 people prayed and stood vigil in the chilly night. Wrapping themselves in blankets, many tearfully gazed at John Paul's third-floor windows, where the lights remained on early Saturday.

Read more: Vatican says Pope clinging to life after suffering massive heart problems

Thousands Gather in St. Peter's Square

Thousands have gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for the Pope as his condition worsens. Vatican officials are leading a prayer service as "Christ is opening the door to the pope today."

We plan to keep readers updated throughout the night and early morning.

Vatican Denies Rumors of Pope's Death

Reuters is reporting that an Italian news source leaked the story of the Pope's death. But the Vatican is denying those reports, insisting that the Pope is clinging to life.