There is a provocative new article in an Italian magazine speculating that Pope John Paul II was actually euthanized – at least according to the definition of euthanasia used by the Catholic church:

In a provocative article, an Italian medical professor argues that Pope John Paul II didn’t just simply slip away as his weakness and illness overtook him in April 2005. Intensive care specialist Dr. Lina Pavanelli has concluded that the ailing Pope’s April 2 death was caused by what the Catholic Church itself would consider euthanasia. She bases this conclusion on her medical expertise and her own observations of the ailing pontiff on television, as well as press reports and a subsequent book by John Paul’s personal physician. The failure to insert a feeding tube into the patient until just a few days before he died accelerated John Paul’s death, Pavanelli concludes. Moreover, Pavanelli says she believes that the Pope’s doctors dutifully explained the situation to him, and thus she surmises that it was the pontiff himself who likely refused the feeding tube after he’d been twice rushed to the hospital in February and March. Catholics are enjoined to pursue all means to prolong life.

And I am about to publish an article about how Winnie-the-Pooh is really Elvis’ love child. Though I wasn’t there I base my conclusions on my “parental expertise” and “my own observations of Winnie-the-Pooh and Elvis on television” “as well as press reports and subsequent books” about both Elvis and Winnie-the-Pooh. I also believe that Elvis “dutifully explained the situation” to Winnie-the-Pooh and I “thus surmise” that Winnie-the-Pooh has known of this from the start.
OK, that is absurd and maybe not even remotely funny but come on people. That is what passes as journalism? Sheesh.