The Pope’s Illness

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20727, 10 February 1939, Page 5

The Pope’s Illness

CONDITION SERIOUS ANXIETY AT VATICAN COMPLICATIONS FEARED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 10, 12.30 p.m.) VATICAN CITY, Feb. 9 H is semi-offlrially announced that the Pope is weaker and anxiety exists in the Vatican. EXTREMELY GRAVE ADRENALIN ADMINISTERED (Independent Cable) (Received Feb. 10. 12.30 p.m.) ROME Feb. 9 The Pope collapsed at 4.45 p.m.. and became unconscious. He was e\ ven an adrenalin Injection, and revived at 5.15 p.m. It is stated he fell into a “restorative sleep,” but it later was reported that his condition was “extremely grav e .” His physicians fear bronchial pneumonia setting In. The holy sacraments were brought to the Pope’s bedside. He was still sleeping at 6 p.m. He received his niece the Marchese Ugolini, this morning, when he seemed to be bearing up well, but collapsed in the afternoon, as the result of a heart attack. Cardinal Schuster, who Is mentionnd as the next Pope, has arrived at Rome. THE LATEST VERY SERIOUS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) ROME, Feb. 9 At 10 p.m. the condition of the Pope was reported to be “very serious.” ANXIETY IN ROME THE CHURCHES THRONGED I fT THE VITAL QUESTION r (United Frees Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrighti (Received Feb. 10, 2.30 p.m.) ROME, Feb. 9 The churches were thronged tonight with the faithful praying for the Pope’s recovery and the Vatican prepared for a long vigil. His Holiness had passed a fairly good night, but during the morning It was noticed the indisposition, dating from Sunday, persisted with a general weakening, accompanied by a slight fever. An attack of cardiac asthma occurred at 4.20 p.m., and lasted until 5 p.m. The Pope gradually recovered under the care of Dr. Rocchi, w-ho was in attendance owing to the Illness of the Pope’s personal doctor, Professor Milan!. A second heart attack occurred at 7.30 pjn., after wrhich His Holiness was unable to speak. It was feared the last moment had oome, but Dr. Rocchi, who was now A assisted by Dr. Bianchi Cesa, administered an injection after which the Pope had a slight rest. Semi-official sources state the attack lasted 40 minutes. There was only one thought as night fell, namely “will the heart stand up to the strain?** During the evening rumours that the Pope was dead caused crowds to assemble and many Cardinals and Bishops called at the Vatican to inquire.