c. 2005 Religion News Service

VATICAN CITY _ Pope John Paul II’s health deteriorated further Thursday (March 31), the Vatican said, with the pontiff battling a high fever and a urinary tract infection. He was put on antibiotics.

“The Holy Father suffered a high fever today caused by a diagnosed urinary infection,” said the Vatican statement, which was issued in Italian.

CNN, the Atlanta-based cable network, citing a confidential Vatican source, reported that the pope had been given the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites. While the sacrament is often administered just before death, it is also used with ill people seeking healing.

The downturn occurred a day after the Vatican announced the pope, 84, had been given a nasal feeding tube.

Italian media reported Thursday that the pope has reportedly lost more than 40 pounds in recent weeks, but that had not been confirmed by the Vatican.

MO/PH RNS END