Pope nears death -- says health official

VATICAN CITY- Pope Paul John II was nearing death, the Vatican health secretary was quoted by the Rai news 24 as saying.
He said the pontiff's health condition was deteriorating and he was unconcious.
The pope's kidneys have stopped functioning completely, he added.
The Bronze gates of Saint Peter's church were closed tonight, a gesture meant to prepare for announcing the death of the leader of the catholic church.
At the same time, over 100 cardinals members of the council which is running the church and mandated with selecting a new pope started to flock to Rome.
Rome Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the only person authorized to announce the death of the pope, said the 84-year-old pontiff was looking at the sky.