Wow.

They're saying that the Pope is about to die, or has already died, but there's no confirmation of the latter.

My disagreements with the Catholic Church and some of the more conservative stances aside, the man has been suffering from Parkinson's, he's had cancer, he's been shot, and I'm praying for his suffering to end, one way or another. It seems like it might very well be his time, and I'm so glad he lasted for Easter. It's such a joyful time in Christianity, and it makes me happy that he was there for it.

I'm also praying that, when he passes (as seems likely), people will be respectful. Despite the Church's stances, despite the Pope's leadership and direction, a man is seriously ill, and his imminent death is not at all something to be smart-alecky or rude about. (And yes, this is coming from a woman who laughed loudly at an Amy Poehler joke on Weekend Update regarding gay marriage and the Pope.)

As an aside, I'm watching CNN, and I've never seen La Piazza di San Pietro so packed, and I've been there twice at the height of tourist season.