Pope takes turn for the worst
2005-03-31 23:17
Vatican City - Pope John Paul II has a high fever caused by an infection in his urinary tract, said Vatican spokesperson Joaquin Navarro-Valls on Thursday.
"The Holy Father has been struck during the day by a high fever caused by an infection of the urinary tract," he said.
"He is being treated with an appropriate therapy based on antibiotics.
"His clinical state is being closely controlled by the medical team of the Vatican which is treating him," he said.
Earlier, Italian news agency Ansa said the pope's health had worsened in the past few hours and that he had a high fever and low blood pressure.
Earlier on Thursday, the Vatican said the 84-year-old Polish-born pontiff had lost 19kg in a few weeks and there was great concern about his chances of recovery after undergoing a throat operation on February 24.
The pope also has Parkinson's disease.
- AFP