Frail pope blesses ill prince
26/03/2005 21:22  - (SA)  

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Monaco - Pope John Paul II, himself seriously ill, has sent a special blessing to Monaco's Prince Rainier, who is fighting for his life in intensive care, his press office said on Saturday.

The 81-year-old ruler of the principality is on life support, with his vital organs failing and an articial respirator keeping him alive, palace officials said on Friday.

The 84-year-old pope has been obliged to be physically absent from Easter celebrations for the first time in his 26-year pontificate by his recovery from surgery complicated by Parkinson's disease.

"Informed of the health problems affecting Your Serene Highness, the Holy Father joins with you in thought and prayer with warm wishes towards you," said the message signed by papal secretary of state Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

"Trusting in the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the pope asks the Lord to give (Rainier) the comfort and support of his grace, and grants him a heartfelt and special apostolic blessing to him and his family," the message added.

The pontiff, who has not spoken in public since he was discharged from hospital on March 13, has sent repeated messages through his cardinals telling the faithful that he is with them "in spirit".

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