PEOPLE in Kent joined with millions across the world today in praying for Pope John Paul II who has suffered serious heart problems and is in a grave condition.

A Vatican communique came hours after the Pope's health worsened with a high fever caused by an infection.

"Following a urinary tract infection, septic shock and a cardio-circulatory collapse occurred," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.

On Thursday, he received the Holy Viaticum, the Catholics' last rites for the sick and dying, the spokesman said.

The pontiff was provided with "all the appropriate therapeutic provisions and cardio-respiratory assistance", Mr Navarro-Valls' statement early today said.

"This morning the condition of the Holy Father is very serious," the statement said, but the 84-year-old pontiff remained "conscious, lucid and tranquil".