NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN CITY (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II mourned the death of his personal surgeon on Wednesday, who he credited with saving his life.

      Professor Francesco Crucitti, 67, died from advanced prostate cancer and was considered a leading expert in oncological and digestive surgery. He performed three major surgical operations on the Holy Father, including an operation after he was shot in an assassination attempt in 1981.

      Following his weekly audience at the Vatican, the Holy Father traveled to Crucitti's home in Rome to personally deliver his condolences to his family. "I came here expressly to show you in some way my appreciation of this man who saved my life," he told the widow. He also prayed before Crucitti's coffin. The Holy Father, who later returned to his summer residence outside Rome, asked Secretary of state Cardinal Angelo Sodano to celebrate the funeral Mass at the Catholic University of Rome on Thursday.