The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1922-01-20
Life Hangs in Balance

Life Hangs in Balance
Rome, Jan 2O-Pope Benedict's
life hangs in the balance today and
fears were expressed at the Vatican
at noon today that His Holiness was
in dying condition.
During the early hours of the morn
ing, towards four a. IN. there was
sudden change for the worse and the
bronchial affection from which His
Holiness had been suffering for sew
eral days spread to his lungs.
The pontiff asked for and received
the last sacrament insisting upon this
IF only to give a 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, issued
afterward. indicated an extremely Sc
rious condition.
Dr. Battistini stated then that while
the condition of His Holiness was
grave, it was not hopeless.
About II o'clock in the fornoon,
however, the Pope's condition became
| aggravated and the administration of
| oxygen was begun.
At IL o'clock the eucharist was SOL
emnlyecaxried to him.
Meanwhile prayers were being said
| in all the churches and Catholic in
stitutions of Rome on behalf of His
Holiness and great crowds began to
assemble in st. Peters.
Rome. Jan. 20.-(By the Associated
Press. AT 12:30 o'clock today, ii
was stated that Pope Benedict was
in a dying condition.
| Rome. Jan. 20.-(By the Associated
! Press. THE condition of Pope Bene.
dict this morning was declared as Sc
rious. The Inflammation which had
| been confined to the bronchial tubes
had extended to the right lung.
The pontiff's respiration is becom-
ing difficult.
The Popes condition which yester-
! day was declared as not giving cause
for alarm, remained stationary part
of the night. but suddenly took
/ turn for the worse, and doctors we're
urgently summoned,
Worse This Morning
1t was about 4 o'clock this morning
| that the change for the worse in the
| Pope's condition occurred. 1t was es-
| peciaIly due to catarrh, which had
spread to both lungs. to inability to
eXpectorate and pulmonary inflamma-
ton, it was stated. Prof. Cherubini,
who had been waiting at the Vatican,
was Immediately summoned He
found the Pope mentally depressed
and painting for breath
Realizing the patients serious con-
dition. DR.. Cherubini administered se-
datives and eXpectorants. but the ben
eticial effects anticipated did not man.
ifest themselves. In view of the gray
ity of the situation. DR. Cherubini
sent an urgent call to Prof Bignami,
a Vatican automobile being dispatched
for him.
Prof. Bignami the evening before
had remarked upon the absence of a
cough, checking eXpectoration and
consequently was not surprised by the
! development, it appeared After a
brief inspection of the patient, he
left to bring Prof. Marchiafava, with
whom he shortly afterward consulted
in the Vatican.
Meanwhile Prof Battistini had ar.
lived and Joined in the consultation.
His Holiness received the commun-
ion. administered by Papal Sacristan
Zampini.
Professor Bignami was called in at
five a. m. when the change in condi-
ton became marked. He returned
again at o'clock with Professor
Marchiafava ard they went into cnn-
sultation with DR.. Battistini and DR..
Cherubini. Afterwards bulletin
signed by all was issued.