RELAPSE AFTER ATTACKS

Southland Times, Issue 23740, 11 February 1939, Page 7

RELAPSE AFTER ATTACKS

CHURCHES THRONGED DURING NIGHT POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR IN ROME (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received February 10, 7.40 p.m.) ROME, February 10. His Holiness had a relapse when 200 cardinals and bishops were assembling for the week-end ceremonies in celebration of the seventeenth anniversary of the Pope’s coronation and the tenth anniversary of the Concordat with Italy. The Pope’s entourage said that his will to live until he had addressed the bishops tomorrow was so great that he might hold out, but a later report stated that the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, which is reserved to those who are at the point of death was administered.

The Pope collapsed at 4.45 p.m. and became unconscious. He was given an adrenalin injection and revived at 5.15, when it was stated that he fell into a “restorative sleep.” It was later reported, however, that his condition was “extremely grave.” His physicians feared that bronchial pneumonia was setting in. The Holy Sacrament was brought to his bedside. His Holiness was still sleeping at 6 p.m. He received his niece, the Marchese Ugolini, in the morning, when he seemed to be bearing up well, but he collapsed in the afternoon as the result of a heart attack.

Churches were thronged last night with the faithful praying for the Pope’s recovery. The Vatican had been prepared for a long vigil. His Holiness passed a fairly good night but during the morning it was noticed that his indisposition dating from Sunday has persisted with a general weakening accompanied by slight fever. An attack of cardiac asthma occurred at 4.20 a.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. A second heart attack occurred at 7.0 p.m. after which his Holiness was unable to speak. Doctor Rocchi administered an injection after which the Pope had a slight rest. Cardinal Schuster, of Milan, who is mentioned as the next Pope, has arrived in Rome.