Pope Shows Slight Improvement

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30145, 31 May 1963, Page 11

Pope Shows Slight Improvement

IN Z-P-A.-Reuter—Covyright)

VATICAN CITY, May 30.

• Pope John passed “an excellent night of perfect repose” and heard Mass from his bed this morning, the Vatican announced today.

His personal doctor, Professor Antonio Gasbarrini, who has been in attendance throughout the last week’s crisis, is returning home to Bologna later today.

The Vatican spokesman said this was “indicative news.” An authoritative source earlier described the Pope’s condition as stationary.

Although the Vatican said Pope John showed a slight improvement it admitted for the first time that his illness was grave and that he had been through an acute crisis.

Many at the Vatican feared that in spite of changes for the better the Pope, in view of his age (81) and his general weakened condition, could take a critical turn and die at any time—in hours, days or weeks.

A spokesman al the Vatican I'-ess Office said last nigh! that the Pope was regaining some of his colour and that

be was able to "read, pray and meditate ”

from the gastric heteroplasia that struck a year ago, became acute last November, and finally made the Pope gravely ill 10 days ago The abnormal stomach growth could be a benign t"mor. a malignant cancer, or an excess of tissue, the Associated Press said

Vatican communiques spoke yesterday of "clear improvement” and said the Pope’s mind was clear by saying he had suffered no "lapses or bewilderment" The statements also told of "acute moments of crisis"