Pope John Given Last Rites

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30146, 1 June 1963, Page 11

Pope John Given Last Rites

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

VATICAN CITY, May 31. Pope John was today given the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church.

A Vatican spokesman officially announced today there had been a sudden worsening in the Pope’s condition. He said the Pope’s condition was very grave. The Associated Press reported the Pope apparently suffered another crisis this morning. One report said the Pope was failing rapidly.

The spokesman said the Pope had received the Viaticum the Holy Communion given to those in danger of death—followed by the Last Sacrament of Extreme Unction.

Earlier today, the Pope, in high spirits and returning strength, was making a slow improvement. The Vatican told of continuing gains in the condition of the Pope, who had been close to death three days ago.

Doctors said the Pontiff spoke of his hope to see the completion of his Ecumenical Council.

His improvement generated a mood of optimism at the Vatican. Prelates, who in recent days were saying that only a miracle could save him, were now talking hopefully of the Pope eventually taking up his normal tasks. Pope John’s personal phv--eician, Professor Antonio Gatsbarri.ni. was back at his home in Bologna, Northern Italy, conSdent his patient was rallying. Professor Gasbarrini told reporters in Bologna that the Pope bad completely stopped bleeding. • He said Pope John had told him: “I hope to see the close of the Council” Professor Gasbarrini, explaining the Pope's condition said:

"The Pope's strong constitution, his iron will and his

serenity are elements that augur well—in a relative sense, however, because the illness is what it is.”

The doctor’s words emphasised whet has been said all along at the Vatican—that the Pope's ailment remains grave, even , though he may show improvement from one day to the next, the Associated Press said. Professor Gasbarrini quoted the Pope as saying: "Don't worry too much about me. The bags are packed and I am ready, in fact very ready, to go." After taking note of the message? of good wishes from all over the world, the Pope said: “Oh. how grateful 1 am. Being the object of delicate attentions moves me and leaves me perfectly tranquil in my usual simplicity, while I feel more united than ever to the many who are suffering in hospitals and homes or are saddened in various ways.” The people of Sotto II

Monte, a north Italian village, today sent a telegram of encouragement to their “august fellow villager”—Pope John Signor Giuseppe Carissimi. *h< Mayor, said in the telegram everyone in the Pontiff’s birthplace wished to convey “sincere wishes and prayers for a quick recovery.”

The Pope's three surviving brothers—Zaverio, aged * 80 Alfredo, aged 74, and Giuseppe. aged 69—continued to be besieged by photographers and journalists asking for their views on the Pope’s illness The three Roncalli brothers spent most of the day in their little white farmhouse, but they came to the door to be interviewed by an American television team.

They are reported to have received a telephone call from the Pope’s private secretary, Monsignor Loris Capovilla, telling them of their brothers improved condition.