Pope near death

VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Pope John Paul II's breathing is becoming shallow and several of his major organs -- including his kidneys and heart -- are growing weaker, the Vatican said Friday. "The general conditions and cardio-respiratory conditions of the Holy Father have further worsened. A gradual worsening arterial hypotension has been noted, and breathing has become shallow," the Vatican press office said. Just as the Pope gave us prinicples to live by, he shows us the prinicples to die by: with dignity. Death is not a right, it is but a passing; not to be rushed, but to be welcomed when it comes. UPDATE: The Pope passed on; a truly sad day since the world has lost a great leader.