The Vatican: There was renewed concern in Rome last night about the deteriorating health of Pope John Paul II after the Vatican confirmed that he is suffering from a "high fever provoked by an infection of the urinary tract".
In a brief statement, senior Vatican spokesman Dr Joaquin Navarro-Valls said that the Pope was undergoing a course of antibotics to deal with the problems posed by the urinary infection.
"The Holy Father was today stricken by a very high fever provoked by what has been ascertained to be an infection of the urinary tract. An appropriate antibiotic therapy has begun. The clinical situation is being closely watched by the Vatican medical team treating him," the statement said.
The Vatican statement, late in the night, confirmed earlier media speculation regarding a dramatic worsening yesterday evening of the 84-year-old pontiff's already frail condition.
Only on Wednesday, the Pope had looked gaunt, weak and in discomfort during a brief appearance at the window of the pontifical apartment in St. Peter's Square. He failed in his attempt to address the gathered crowd.
Later that day, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope's medical team had opted to fit him with a nasal feeding tube in an effort to build up his strength as he attempts to recover from a tracheotomy operation undergone last month.
Since leaving Rome's Gemelli hospital on March 13th, the Pope has visibly lost much weight, prompting speculation that the complications brought about by the tracheotomy operation have prevented him receiving adequate nourishment.
Despite the apparent gravity of the latest crisis to afflict the Pope, his personal physician, Dr Renato Buzzonetti last night confirmed that there were no plans for the Pope to return to the Gemelli hospital for further treatment. That reassuring comment contrasted with earlier unconfirmed reports last night suggested that such is the seriousness of the Pope's condition that the last rites have been administered to him.
Looking weak but determined, he also tried speak into a microphone on Easter Sunday but could produce no words.
He already has a tube to allow air into his windpipe and will now, at least temporarily, have one carrying liquid nourishment in his nose.
The Pope also skipped a traditional blessing on Easter Monday for the first time in his papacy, now in its 27th year and he did not preside at any events in the Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter.