New Britain herald., 1922-01-20
LAST RITES OF CHURCH ASH5aEsr~ :: GIVEN POPE. WHOSE SICKNESS
 HAS TAKEN TURN FOR WORSE
His Holiness Suffering From Pneumonia And Although Condition Is Grave, It Is Not Hope- less, Attending Physicians Say Oxygen Is Administered.

Rome, Jan. 20.-(By Associated | Press )-Pope Benedict's life hangs in the balance today. and fears were ex- pressed at the Vatican at noon that His Holiness was in a dying condition.
 During the early hours of this morning, towards 4 a. m., there was a sudden change for the worse and the | bronchial affection from which His Holiness had been suffering for sev- eral days, spread to his lungs.
 Receives Last Sacrament. The Pontif asked for and received the last Sacrament. insisting upon this If only to give good example," he said, despite attempts by his attend ants to dissuade him.
 The Pope's physicians were in con- sultation at the Vatican at an early hour, and the morning bulletin, is- sued afterward, indicated an extreme ly serious condition. Dr. Battistini, however, stated then that while the l condition of His Holiness was grave 1t was not hopeless.
 Oxygen Administered. About Ii o'clock in the forenoon, however. the Pope's condition became aggravated. and the administration of oxygen was begun.
 At 11:30 o'clock the Eucharist was solemnly carried to him. Meanwhile prayers were being said in all the churches and Catholic institutions of Rome on behalf of His Holiness and great crowds began to assemble in St. 1 Peters.
 Relapse Is Surprise. | Today's sudden change for the worse in the Pontiff's condition seemed to have come as great sur- l prise even to those wile had been ob- serving him most closely. Last eve- ming he received some strengthening \ Injections and the doctors then stated they were satisfied with his condition expressing hope that danger of an ex- tension of the inflammation to the lungs had passed and saying that the crisis appeared to be overcome.
 Rallies, Then Fails.
 One of the most disturbing copdi- tions that developed early today seemed to be passing away after 10 o'clock this morning, as the Pontiff was then able to eXpectorate slightly. This aroused more hope among the watchers, but towards Il o'clock he became worse again and oxygen then was administered.
 Monsignor Zampini, sacristan of the Apostolic palace, Monsignor Migone.. the private chamberlain, were at the Pope's bedside.
 Cardinals Assemble.
 There was an air of deep anxiety and apprehension about the Vatican. where many of the cardinals were waiting in an ante chamber, all the cardinals in Italy having assembled in Rome upon receiving word of the Popes serious illness.
 l The doctors after this mornings consultation did not conceal the gray ny of the Pontiffs condition, al- though Prof. Marchiafava took a more hopeful view than his colleagues Relatives Are Notified.
 Later Cardinal Gasparri the Papal secretary of state, telegraphed all the nunciatores advising them of the seri- ousness of the Pope's condition while urgent telegrams were sent to Pope Benedicts relatives living in Genoa and Piacenza.
 Upon leaving the Papal apartment the cardinals who administered Ex- treme Unction said the Pope's mind was perfectly clear but that his con- dition was so grave that only a mir acle could save him.
 Shortly after II o'clock Monsignor Zampini, the sacristan of the palace, accompanied by the cardinals, went to the Palatine chapel and took the Sa- crament to the Pope. The cortege was preceded by four of the Palatine's guards carrying lighted candles, four chair bearers, and four uniformed private guards, the cardinals follow ing. Cardinal Gasparri and Monsig- nor Zampini were weeping.
 The cortege proceeded to the Papal apartment which was entered only by the cardinals and few of the palace prelates Those who were waiting in the ante-chamber told their beads as the procession passed to the Pope's bedside, where Extreme unction was administered to His Holiness.
 Remains Conscious. Pope Benedict, retaining the clear est consciousness followed with deep emotion the reading of the formula of profession of faith by Cardinal Giorei. After receiving the Communion he said to Cardinal Sili:
 ''I beg you to recommend me to the Virgin of Pompeii."
 Crisis Tonight.
 The physicians gave their patient another examination shortly after noon, after which Dr. Marchiafava said the Popes condition was very grave, but not desperate. He thought the turning point would occur this evening or late tonight. t&
 After this examination, the Vatican cardinals gathered around the Pope's bedside and kissed his hand, which lay on a cushion. At this time His Holiness was allowed to sit up in bed a few minutes.
 During the day the Pope was given just enough nourishment to sustain him. all food being withheld in order