Doctors have decided to perform a tracheotomy on Pope John Paul II to help the ailing pontiff breathe. A tracheotomy is a procedure in which a tube is inserted in a small hole in the throat to assist in breathing.

The pope was rushed to the hospital earlier today due to a relapse of the flu. He was suffering from a high fever and congestion and was having difficulty breathing.

Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls indicated that the pope was taken to Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for 'necessary specialized assistance and further tests.'

Medical experts fear that the pope's condition could be serious. 'It appears the pope is suffering from pneumonia, likely a bacterial pneumonia, a serious problem for a man of his age with Parkinson's,' Dr. Barbara Paris, chairwoman of geriatrics and vice-chairwoman of Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center in New York told the Associated Press.

The White House sent its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the pope. 'We hope the pope recovers as soon as possible. He's in our thoughts and prayers,' White House spokesman Fred Jones said.

Tight security is being maintained outside the Gemelli clinic. Updates on John Paul II's condition are expected throughout the evening.