Pope clings to life after heart failure

The Pope was clinging to life in grave condition today after suffering heart failure, but he was still lucid, fully conscious and ”extraordinarily serene,” the Vatican said.

His long-time spokesman, breaking into tears at times, said 84-year-old John Paul was “informed of the gravity of his situation” and decided to remain in his apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square, where thousands of people stood vigil.