The Italian news Agency Apcom citied unidentified sources Thursday in a report that Pope John Paul’s condition has worsened.
The Vatican did not immediately comment on the report, which said doctors had to intervene because of what was described as a "worrying" drop in the pope's blood pressure, but a spokesman later said the Pope has a high fever because of a urinary tract infection.
The Pope is reportedly being given antibiotics for the infection.
CNN quoted an unnamed Vatican official who described the situation as serious and said the Pope had received the last rights or the sacrament of the sick, which is not necessarily an indication that John Paul is in any immediate danger of dying.
The 84-year old Pontiff has been recovering from throat surgery since Feb. 24 when doctors implanted a breathing tube.
The Vatican revealed Wednesday that the Pope is being fed through a nasal tube because of swallowing difficulties.
