In order to help him with his breathing, they're going to perform a tracheotomy on the Holy Father.
This does not bode well for his survival.
I've prayed more for this Pope than any other. Granted, I've only been alive for three different pontiffs, and one of those only lasted a month, but still. I remember the day he was shot quite clearly. I was in fifth grade and the school prinicpal came over the loudspeaker, asking us all to pray for the Holy Father as someone had just shot him. And we prayed right there and then, interrupting math class for good fifteen minutes. We hoped he would get better. Surprisingly, he did, too. He was a hale and hearty man...then.
I'm praying for a different option this time around. It feels odd, I will admit. But it's time.
The Catholic Church teaches its members that there is value in suffering. It's one of our central tenets. I believe John Paul II has done more to teach us about this than any other pope. He shouldn't have to still be teaching us about the value of suffering, though.
He's done his bit.
Posted by Kathy at February 24, 2005 02:20 PMYes, John Paul is a remarkable man, and his has been a remarkable papacy. His passing would leave Maggie Thatcher the only living person of the three whose iron will, steadfast courage and unblinking faith brought about the evaporation of Russian Communism. Ave, ave, ave.
Posted by: Kerry at February 24, 2005 06:37 PM