Pope given last rites

This just in: Vatican source: Pope given last rites.

VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Pope John Paul II's condition remained "serious" early Friday, but he appeared to be responding well to antibiotic treatment for a urinary tract infection that caused him to develop a fever, a Vatican official said.

Thursday night, as his health deteriorated, the pontiff was given the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church, a Vatican source told CNN.

The sacrament does not necessarily mean that the pope is dying. Last rites -- also known as the sacrament of the sick or extreme unction -- are commonly given to people who are seriously ill as well.

A commentator from the CNN remarked that the Pope's mind is clear and lucid, but his body parts are betraying him one by one. This is most likely due to his old age. Also we must emphasize that the administration of last rites does not necessarily mean a person is about to die. There is, however, a matter of extreme urgency for such a sacrament to be performed.

Let us all pray for the Lord's guidance and protection for His faithful servant and vicar here on Earth.