Pope John Paul II 'given the last rites' - Italian media

Pope John Paul II, whose health deteriorated suddenly this evening, has received the Roman Catholic sacrament reserved for the…

Pope John Paul II, whose health deteriorated suddenly this evening, has received the Roman Catholic sacrament reserved for the sick and dying, Italian media has reported.

A Vatican spokesman said he could not confirm the reports but Church sources said it was likely the Pontiff had recieved the sacrament, given the precarious state of his health.

The sacrament, which involves annointing the sick person with special oils, was once called "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction." It is now known as the Sacrament of the Infirm.

The Vatican issued a statement earlier confirming he was suffering from a very high fever caused by a urinary infection. Italian news agencies Apcom and Ansa said he had suffered an alarming drop in blood pressure.

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Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the pontiff was receiving "appropriate antibiotic therapy".

The 84-year-old Pope has been convalescing from throat surgery for more than a month now and aides said earlier today he was disappointed by the slow pace of his recovery.

It has also emerged that he has lost three stone in weight over the last number of weeks.

He underwent the tracheotomy last month in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he spent a total of 28 days in two stints in February and March.

Doctors yesterday inserted a feeding tube through the Pope's nose and into his stomach to try to boost his strength and help his recovery. He has had a breathing tube in his throat since the Feb. 24 operation.

Vatican officials interviewed earlier today said they were increasingly pessimistic about the Pope making a full recovery from his ailments.

Italian news agencies Apcom and Ansa said the Pope had suffered an alarming drop in blood pressure tonight.

"Hardly anyone thinks the situation will improve but everyone is hoping for a miracle," said one official.

A senior cardinal said the Pope was nearing the end of his life.