Pope John Paul rushed to hospital

Pope John Paul II was rushed to Gemelli hospital in Rome yesterday suffering from breathing difficulties brought on by influenza, the Vatican later confirmed. In a statement the Vatican said that the Pope, 84, was suffering “acute inflammation of the larynx and laringo-spasm (throat).” He was admitted to hospital as a precaution and is not in intensive care, the Vatican said. The Pope also suffers from Parkinson’s disease and painful joint conditions.