Full text: Vatican statement on Pope's health

VATICAN CITY - The following is the text of the Vatican statement on the sudden deterioration of Pope John Paul's health. The statement was issued in Italian and translated by Reuters.

"This morning, the Holy Father's health condition is very grave.

"Yesterday afternoon, March 31, as has been already announced, following a urinary infection, a state of septic shock and cardio-circulatory collapse set in.

"The Holy Father was immediately assisted by the medical team in His Holiness' private apartments.

"All appropriate therapeutic provisions and cardio-respiratory assistance were provided. The Holy Father's will to remain in his apartments was respected. They are equipped with complete and efficient health facilities.

"Late yesterday afternoon there was a temporary stabilisation of the clinical framework which, however, in the following hours evolved negatively.

"The Holy Father's condition is being attentively monitored and watched over.

"The Holy Father is conscious, lucid and tranquil. At 7.17pm Thursday (5.17am Friday NZT) he received the Holy Viaticum (communion reserved for those close to death). At 6am today (4pm NZT), the Holy Father celebrated Holy Mass.

"The cardinal secretary of state and the closest aides of the Holy Father are united with him in prayer and are following the clinical conditions of His Holiness.

"The Pope is being assisted by his personal doctor Renato Buzzonetti, as well as two intensive care specialists, a cardiologist and an ear, nose and throat specialist as well as two nurses."- REUTERS