Pope Fails To Respond

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30144, 30 May 1963, Page 13

Pope Fails To Respond

• , (N Z.P.A. -Reuter— Copyright) VATICAN CITY, May 29. Pope John spent what was described as a “dramatic night” and failed to respond to numerous blood transfusions, according to Vatican sources, the British United Press reports. The sources reported the Pope was suffering acutely, and a prelate close to the Pope’s entourage said: “The situation is considered grave.”

A group of officials of the Austrian Christian-Democrat Party today delivered a new coagulant medicine for the Pope. The medicine arrived by air this morning from Vienna. An authoritative Vatican source said the Pope had a “heart like a horse” and might be able to resist the illness for a month.

There is no indication that the rally was more than temporary and a very high Vatican personality said: “A new crisis at this time could prove fatal to the Holy Father.”

The Pope, it was revealed for the first time yesterday, is suffering from a growth in the stomach, which may be cancer. He has suffered several internal hemorrhages and each one leaves him a little weaker.

Doctors so far have been unable to stop entirely the internal bleeding, although they are containing them with blood transfusions and coagulants.

Pope John, who is 81, realises the seriousness of his condition British United Press said.

“Il Messaggero,” recalling the exclamation “Pray, pray” by his ' private secretary, Monsigno-r Loris Capovilla, who left the Pope’s bedside

in tears yesterday, said: “It is generally agreed that by now science can do little or nothing to conquer a terrible disease, never before overcome.”

“Il Messaggero’’ quoted “informed sources” to the effect that “in contrast to other occasions, the physique of John XXIII gives evidence of not responding to treatment swiftly, but progressively more slowly." Anxiety for the Pope’s life mounted yesterday with a report that his condition was “very grave,” but last night a Vatican spokesman reported an improvement, Reuter said. The Associated Press reported that the Pope was said to have reached a stage in his illness where he visibly suffered pain. The Rome newspaper “Il Messagerro” today devoted most of its front page to the Pope's illness under the banner headline “The Pontiff awaits serenely for -../God's will to be done'.” “Serene Retreat” An official Vatican announcement said: "The Holy Father’s day is spent in rest and in humble and serene retreat in conformity with the will of God “Those attending him notice the edifying effusion of peace and of abandonment (to Divine will) which radiates from the august person, anxious for closer union with God and for the offering of every sacrifice for the Church and for all his children.

“The Cardinal Secretary of State, who called on him again at 12.15 p.m., had told him in the morning audience: ‘Most Blessed Father, the whole world is praying for your Holiness.’

“The Pope, with an amiable smile and after a brief silence, answered: ‘Since the whole world is praying for the sick Pope, it is natural that this supplication should be given an intention: if God wants the sacrifice of the Pope’s life, may it help win copious favour for the Ecumenical Council, for "the Holy Church, for mankind which aspires* to peace. If, on the contrary, it pleases God to prolong this Pontifical service, may this help to sanctify the soul of the Pope and of all those who are working with him for the spreading of the reign of our Lord in ancient and recent Christian lands and in the whole world.’ Prayers Prayers will be offered for Pope x John in all Roman Catholic churches *in the Christchurch diocese.