Previous news has reported the Pope has been given the "Holy Viaticum" -- communion which is reserved for those near death -- after suffering cardio-circulatory collapse and shock.

    Vatican's spokesman said earlier the Pope's condition is  "very serious".

    Pope seemed to be reacting well to antibiotic treatment and his condition "appears to have been stabilized", said earlier the Vatican's official radio.

    The 84-year-old Pope's health declined sharply, a day after he developed a high fever brought on by a urinary tract infection. Enditem

    (Agencies)