Pope John Paul II was last night given the last rites after his health severely deteriorated, it was reported.

The pontiff had a high fever fever caused by a urinary tract infection, his spokesman confirmed.

Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the Pope was receiving antibiotics at the Vatican.

Earlier last night his condition worsened when it was said he had suffered an alarming drop in blood pressure.

Italian news agency Apcom said there were unconfirmed reports that he had received the sacrament for the sick and dying.

Vatican officials have yet to confirm those reports.

Hospital chiefs at the Gemelli Polyclinic, where the pontiff has previously been treated, have no plans yet to admit him at the moment, the agency reported.

The latest health setback for the 84-year-old pontiff came the day after he began receiving nutrition through a feeding tube.

On Wednesday, the Pope briefly appeared at his studio window in St Peter's Square to bless thousands of pilgrims.

He drew cheers from the gathered audience as he tried to speak to them, but the words were not audible.