ILLNESS OF POPE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23206, 28 November 1938, Page 11

ILLNESS OF POPE

! ANXIETY CAUSED SUDDEN HEART ATTACKS IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWS A REASSURING REPORT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 20 Anxiety was caused yesterday by the condition of the Pope, who had a sudden attack of illness, says a message from Vatican City. However, it is officially stated to-day that he will be able to resume his normal activities after several days' rest.

An official bulletin issued yesterday stated: "The Pope, after celebrating Mass, was stricken unexpectedly by an. attack of cardiac asthma, which was ameliorated by Professors Docchi and Milani, who immediately gave assistance."

It is understood that His Holiness collapsed and was unconscious for several minutes, but reacted to restoratives. Shortly after noon he was placed

in an oxygen tent. The Pope had another attack at 5.30 p.m. Professor Milani administered emergency treatment, His Holiness being unconscious for about 15 minutes. Virtually all his relatives were at his bedside. He has been advised to rest and all audiences have been suspended. Professor Milani said: "The Pope is a little better. I am optimistic. Naturally everything depends upon the resistance of the heart." Professor Milani stated at 8.15 p.m. that the improvement in the Pope's condition was continuing.

The professor, who is a heart specialist, and Professor Nianchi consulted about His Holiness at the bedside at 10 p.m. and found his heart weaker. Cardinal Lauri earlier had administered extreme unction, but this was not taken to indicate that the condition of the patient was considered desperate, says the Rome correspondent of the Times. PRAYERS OF PEOPLE AUCKLAND CONGREGATIONS Special mention of the Pope's serious illness was made at St. Patrick's Cathedral at all Masses yesterday. In the cathedral as well as at all other Roman Catholic churches in Auckland the prayers of the people were sought.