Vatican City, Mar 31, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Earlier today, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome called on all Romans and all Italians to intensify their prayers for ailing Pope John Paul II, who, according to the Vatican, is now in "very grave condition."
The cardinal, who is president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, said in an announcement today that, "Due to the worsening condition of the Holy Father…We wish to be near him in this hour with that same loving closeness with which John Paul II has accompanied for us these nearly 27 years."
He also added that this evening at 7pm, a special Mass will be said for the Pope in St. John Lateran Basilica.
Added Cardinal Ruini: "I ask all parish communities, all religious in Rome to pray for the Holy Father, in churches and in individual families."