Pope John Paul's health has continued to deteriorate. In the latest Vatican statement, spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the 84-year-old Pontiff's breathing has become shallow.
Mr Navarro-Valls added that Pope John Paul's blood pressure has also worsened and he is suffering from heart and kidney problems.
He said the Pope's condition had been - as he put it - notably compromised but added that he was visibly participating in prayers around his sickbed.
Despite the Pope's seriously ill condition, it has emerged that he approved several new Church appointments this afternoon.
A Vatican statement said the Pope had appointed 17 new bishops and archbishops, and had accepted the resignation of six others.
Earlier today, the Vatican said the 84-year-old pontiff was in a serious but stable condition after suffering heart failure and breathing problems.
Mr Navarro-Valls had said the Pope was stable and had received his closest advisors in separate meetings at his bedside.
The Pope's health took a sharp turn yesterday evening as he developed a very high fever caused by a urinary infection.
He suffered heart failure last night and had received the last rites, underlining the seriousness of his condition.
The Vatican earlier dismissed media reports that Pope John Paul has fallen into a coma as 'absolute rubbish'.
However, Father Konrad Hemo, one of the leaders of the Polish community in Rome, told reporters that the Pontiff is 'ready' to die.
An Italian news agency, AGI, also quoted a close friend of Pope John Paul as saying the Pontiff is 'fading serenely'.
Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's deputy for Rome who is traditionally responsible for announcing news of a papal death, arrived at the Vatican early this morning. He called on Catholics to 'intensify their prayers' for the ailing Pontiff.
A big crowd has gathered outside St Peter's Basilica in silent prayer.
The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Seán Brady, called on the country's Catholics to 'continue to pray fervently' for the Pope's health at this time of suffering.
Special Mass at Pro-Cathedral
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has celebrated a special mass for the Pope in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin this evening.
Elsewhere, a special prayer service was organised in the Apparition Chapel in Knock, Co Mayo, while priests in Knock say there has been a steady flow of visitors to the Shrine in Knock all day.
The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore celebrated mass for the Pope in the Cathedral in Waterford this evening. Bishop William Lee said it was a deeply emotional time for all Catholics.
