The Door Of Death Has Been Closed.

No more hope for the Pope's survival.

Awaiting the bells now.

I'm a sucker for Vatican protocol!

When they close the Door Of Death at St. Peter's, the end is near.

Sadly, the biggest hint of the Pope's imminent departure today was the police closing off the streets around the Vatican.

Unless the rules have changed, the official announcement won't happen until later today.

The Vicar Of Rome announces the death of the Pope...

And the current Vicar Of Rome, Cardinal Ruini, is celebrating mass right now.

I'm predicting the announcement after sundown (Rome time).

Dying at night is dramatic.