1700 GMT
"The general conditions and cardiocirculatory conditions of the Holy Father have further worsened.
"A gradual worsening of arterial hypotension has been noted and breathing has become shallow.
"The clinical picture indicates cardiocirculatory and renal insufficiency.
"The biological parameters are notably compromised.
"The Holy Father - with visible participation - is joining in the continual prayers of those assisting him."
1030 GMT
"The Pope remains conscious. This morning at 0600 [0400 GMT] he celebrated Mass.
"About 0715, realising that today is Friday, a day in which he traditionally follows the Stations of the Cross, he asked that the 14 stations be read to him.
"He followed attentively the reading of the texts and made the sign of the Cross at every station.
"After finishing the stations, he said he wished to recite the Liturgy of Hours and asked specifically that the Third Hour be read to him.
"I saw this morning that he received several of his colleagues: Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State; Archbishop Leonardo Sandri; Cardinal Camillo Ruini; Cardinal Edmund Szoka; Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the dean of the College of Cardinals; Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, and Archbishop Paolo Sardi.
"The situation now is stable. The conditions of notable seriousness remain.
"The biological parameters are unsettled. His blood pressure is unstable.
"It is certain that I have never seen this image before during these 26 years"
"Several minutes ago he asked that some passages from Sacred Scriptures be read to him, and he attentively followed this reading.
"This is the current picture. I can announce that, naturally, the press office will remain open throughout the night.
"I can imagine you have many questions. I think I have illustrated the basic facts of the current situation. I am now open to your questions, if there are any.
"When they told him the real gravity of the situation he asked whether it was strictly necessary to go to hospital.
"He was told it wasn't strictly necessary because full assistance was guaranteed in his apartment and he decided to stay there.
"I believe my feelings about this are of no interest. It is certain that I have never seen this image before during these 26 years.
"The Pope is lucid, extraordinarily serene, but with obvious breathing difficulties."
0430 GMT
"This morning the Holy Father's health conditions are very serious.
"Yesterday afternoon, 31 March, as already announced, following a confirmed infection of the urinary tract, septic shock set in with cardio-circulatory collapse.
"The Holy Father was immediately assisted by the medical team on watch in his private apartments.
"All appropriate therapeutic and cardio-respiratory measures were activated.
"The Holy Father's wish to remain in his private apartments was respected, where in any case complete and efficient health care can be guaranteed.
"Late yesterday afternoon, the clinical situation stabilised temporarily, but in later hours it developed negatively.
"The situation of the Holy Father is being monitored and watched.
"The Holy Father is conscious, lucid and serene. Yesterday at 1917 [1717 GMT] he received the Viaticum.
"At 0600 [0400 GMT] today he celebrated Mass.
"The cardinal secretary of state and the Holy Father's closest collaborators, united with him in prayer, are following the development of the clinical condition of His Holiness.
"The Pope is being assisted by his personal physician Dr Renato
Buzzonetti, by two specialists in reanimation, by a cardiologist, by
an otorhinolaryngologist, and by two nurses."
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