Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-01-20
Life Hangs in Balance.

Rome, Jan. 2o.-(Ry The Associat--
ed Press.)-Pope Benedicts life hangs
in the balance today and fears were
expressed at the Vatican at noon that
his holiness was in a dying condition.
> During the early hours this morn
ing towards a. M. there was sud
den change for the worse and the
holiness had been suffering for sew
eral days. spread to his lungs.
Receives Last Sacrament.
The pontiff asked for and received
the last sacrament insisting upon
| this If only to give Il good example,
he said, despite attempts by his a..
/ tendants to dissuade him.
The pope's physicians were in con-
sultation at the Vatican at an early
hour ana the morning bulletin issued
afterward, indicated an extremely
serious condition. DR.. Battistini. how
ever. stated then that while the con-
dition of his holiness was grave, it
was not hopeless.
Oxygen Administered.
About eleven o'clock in the fore
noon however, the pope's condition
became aggravated and the admins
tration of oxygen was begun.
At 1880 O'Clock the Euchirist was
solemnly carried to him.
/ Meanwhile prayers were being said
in all the churches and Catholic in
holiness and great crowds began to
| assemble in st. Peters.
! Today's sudden change for tho
! worse in the pontiff's condition seem
| ed to have come as a surprise even to
those who had been observing him
most closely. Last evening he receiv-
ed some strengthening injections and
hn e~. f~l
! isfied with his condition expressing
hope that danger of an extension OF
| the Inflammation to the lungs had
| passed and saying the crisis appeared
| to be overcome.
One of the most disturbing condi-
tons that developed early today
seemed to be passing away after ten
O'Clock this morning.
Mind Was Clear.
Upon leaving the papal apartment,
the cardinals who administered ex-,
treme JUNCTION and said the popes
mind was perfectly clesr l.. tr~his
condition was so grave ti.at only
miracle could save him.
| Those who were waiting in the ante
cha mber told their beads as the pro-
cession went to the pope's bedside
| where extreme unction was admin
istered to his holiness. Pope Benedict
retaining the cleareSt consciousness
/ followed with deep emotion. the read
ing Of the formula of the profession
of faith by Cardinal Giorgi. After re-
ceiving the communion, he said to
Cardinal Sill:
II beg you to recommend me to the
Virgin of Pompeii.'
The doctors after this mornings
consultation did not conceal the grav-
ity Of the pontiff's condition, although
| Professor Marchiafava took a more
hopeful view than his colleagues.
Later. Cardinal Gasparri. the. papal
secretary Of state. telegraphed all the
nunciatures advising them OF the, seri3
BUSINESS Of the pore's condition. whN1
urgent kilograms were sent to Pope
Renedict's relatives It Genoa and
4 Piacenza.
| Turning Point Tonight.
The. physicians gave their patient
another examination shortly after
noon after which DIR. Marchfafava said
the pope's condition was very grave
but not desperate. He thought the
turning point would occur tonight
| After this examination, the Satlcan
cardinals gathered around the pope.s
bedside and kissed. his hand, Wigs
lay on a cushion. At this time, Mn
holiness was allowed to at up IN he'd
a few minutes. During the day the
tpppe was given jurt enpngh n0sflnas-
I ment to sustain him. III aDlfd fco1 q
! 'sc'-~ ~i.hA-cs5 In order 60 ALLOW HI
fever to subside.
It