Italy's political parties halted all election campaigning today ahead of weekend regional polls out of respect for Pope John Paul II's deteriorating health.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and opposition leader Romano Prodi told their supporters to suspend all political rallies after the Vatican announced the ailing Pope has suffered heart failure and was in a "very grave" condition.
"The prime minister, considering the serious state of the Pontiff's health, urges all political forces to abstain from any electoral rally," Mr Berlusconi's spokesman said.
The elections will go ahead as planned, however.
Mr Prodi said the halt to electioneering was "a sign of profound and heartfelt respect for the Holy Father and as a silent expression of hope and good wishes for his health."
Moving to quash rumours that the regional elections might be postponed because of the Pope's health, Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said "a postponement of the polls is out of the question."
Italy votes on Sunday and Monday in regional polls that are a test for whether Mr Berlusconi's centre-right coalition can retain power in a general election expected in 2006.
Politicians vying for regional presidencies had planned to hold closing campaign rallies later today.