VATICAN, April 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Vatican has announced that Pope John Paul II passed away in the last few hours.
In a statement the Vatican Press Office noted, “The Holy Father died this evening at 9:37 p.m. (2:37 p.m. EST) in his private apartment. All the procedures outlined in the apostolic Constitution `Universi Dominici Gregis’ that was written by John Paul II on Feb. 22, 1996, have been put in motion.”
Earlier today, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls noted that the Holy Father remained conscious. “The clinical conditions of the Holy Father remain very serious. In late morning a high fever developed. When addressed by members of his household he responds correctly,” he said.
Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) Canada joins the entire pro-life movement throughout the world, mourning the death of Pope John Paul ll.
“For 26 years John Paul the Great has provided outstanding teaching on all moral issues affecting life and family,” said Jim Hughes National President. “His inspirational leadership in a world gone awry was a true beacon of hope for all of society.”
Further, CLC National Organizer Mary Ellen Douglas said “We must continue to follow his example by reaching out to all people, especially the poor and disenfranchised, with love and compassion.”
“We thank God for the gift to the world of Karol Wojtyla. We will miss him greatly.”