Sources in the Vatican told an Italian news agency that the breathing tube inserted Feb. 24 has made it difficult for the ailing pontiff to eat. Doctors are considering inserting a feeding tube in an effort to improve his nutrition.
An Italian newspaper reports that a hospital visit would also allow physicians to run tests on the breathing tube. It was inserted when the pope underwent a tracheotomy to ease his breathing problems. link
Jerry Falwell has just been rehospitalized, and there are conflicting reports on his condition.
In light of some of the religious discussion with regard to Terri Schiavo, these developments are sure to be included in the debate.
What do you think?
(also posted this on kos)
See front page for more on the Jerry Falwell story
I heard that this morning about the pope, how interesting. Wonder where this will lead the feed tube debate.
Down a slippery slope, I would imagine.
For one thing I am sure that a feeding tube would never be removed from the pope, no matter what. What do you think, Ductape.
If I recall correctly, the Vatican encyclical on the subject, which the current Pope wrote, again, if I am not mistaken, while it does permit disconnecting artificial life support such as ventilators, etc, considers administration of food and water in the same “comfort care” or whatever they call it, category as things like hygiene and pain relief.
This particular Pope appears to be very dedicated to the idea of a sort of living martrydom, the other day a Cardinal called it sharing his suffering with the world, and the Pope himself has indicated he is in it for the long haul.
He already has a breathing tube, and if they add a feeding tube, it could be a very long haul indeed.
Or he could decide at some point that “giving himself serenely to the will of God,” as the Cardinal put it the other day, does not include giving himself serenely to God’s handiwork in the form of doctors with tubes.
It has also occurred to me that since the Vatican newspaper has been comparing Terri Schiavo to Jesus walking with his cross, that it is not wildly outrageous to wonder if some medical decisions made in Rome over the next few days might be influenced by events in Florida…
looking out from the window of the Vatican at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
Pope John Paul II was seated, trying to communicate with his people, thousands standing and millions watching from across the globe for His Papal Blessing. A favorite occasion for Him to convey His Easter greetings in multiple foreign languages to all corners of human kind. He did not succeed, his anguish was felt by millions of supporters and admirers.
Pope John Paul II will step down when He cannot sufficiently perform the duties as Peter’s successor. All will be orchestrated by the college of cardinals at the Vatican, who are doing their normal everyday job of administering the Holy See and the World, Universal = Catholic Church.
As for his personal medical hardships, I find it inappropiate to spend time and words of speculation, very similar to the media frenzy and crazy zealots in Florida.
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité