DECLARATION ON HOLY FATHER'S FALL IN NUNCIATURE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 12, 1999 (VIS) - This morning in Sandomierz, Poland, where he is accompanying the Pope on his apostolic trip, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration to journalists: "This morning, prior to leaving his residence at the apostolic nunciature in Warsaw, the Holy Father accidentally slipped and suffered a small contused laceration in the region of his right temple which has been appropriately treated."

The journalists asked Dr Navarro-Valls if the Pope had fainted. The Holy See Press Office Director replied: "No. There has been no change in his biological parameters, particularly of blood pressure and heart beat. His neurological status remains unchanged."
Journalists further asked how the injury had been treated. Dr Navarro-Valls replied: "Three stitches were administered."

The journalists asked if the program of the papal visit will be altered in any way. Dr Navarro-Valls replied: "There is no change. The program will continue as planned."

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