More from from Rome and beyond

• FUNERAL PLANNING |1:17 p.m. ET

New signs that a major funeral is imminent are being seen in Rome, as the city makes plans to accommodate tens of thousands of pilgrims expected to descend on the Vatican in the coming days.

Portable toilets and extra ambulances appeared in greater numbers near the Vatican during the day Saturday and the city transport system said it was increasing service on bus and subway lines which stop at St. Peter’s, the Associated Press reported.

City officials also lined up fairground pavilions and sport stadiums to house the faithful, and the Italian state railway said it would add additional trains to bring pilgrims to Rome.

• VATICAN UPDATE | 12:23 p.m. ET

In a written statement, the Vatican says Pope John Paul II remains in very grave condition with a high fever, but that he continues to respond "correctly" when addressed by aides.

• STATEMENT ON CONDITION RESCHEDULED | 11:40 a.m. ET

A Vatican spokesman says the statement on the pope's medical condition will now be issued approximately 12:10 p.m. ET.

• VATICAN STATEMENT DELAYED | 11:25 a.m. ET

The Associated Press reports that the Vatican's statement on the pope's medical condition, originally expected around 11 a.m. ET,  has been delayed. There is no immediate word on when the announcement will be made.

• BUSH: POPE ‘AN INSPIRATION’ | 10:14 a.m. ET

President Bush calls Pope John Paul II was “a faithful servant of God and a champion of human dignity and freedom.”

“He is an inspiration to us all,” Bush says in his weekly radio address. “Laura and I join millions of Americans and so many around the world who are praying for the Holy Father.”

The president has received regular briefings about the pontiff’s condition since the pope’s health began deteriorating Thursday.

• VATICAN ANNOUNCEMENT EXPECTED | 9:06 a.m. ET

Networks are told to expect another update on the pope's medical condition by Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls at approximately 11 a.m. ET.

• STAGE IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE DISMANTLED | 8:04 a.m. ET

In a sign the Vatican was preparing for a funeral, workers dismantle a semi-permanent stage in St. Peter's Square. For the funeral of the last pope in 1978, that space was occupied by a relatively small altar.

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