Pope John Paul II has suffered new complications of infection and fever and is now thought to be just hours from death.
The Pope, who has led the world's 1 billion Catholics for 26 years, was "participating" in rites from his bed at the Vatican, a Vatican spokesman said.
Vatican television showed only the image of a golden object in which the symbolic host is stored.
A special Mass for the Pope was being celebrated by senior officials of the vast Church of St. John Lateran in Rome.
News media and tens of thousands of Catholics gathered in Vatican City for what are thought to be the final hours of the humble Polish prelate who has left an indelible stamp on world affairs.
His role in bringing the Soviet Union to an end through his support of the Polish Solidarity movement and other efforts to liberate Eastern Europe from Communism are among the most enduring reminders of his papacy.
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