‘Fox News Channel erroneously reported the death of Pope John Paul II on Friday afternoon, backpedaled several minutes later, then apologized to viewers for the mistake.

Television networks were marshaling resources and dealing with conflicting reports as the pope’s illness took a turn for the worse Friday, maintaining an electronic vigil like the Roman Catholic faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Viewers could be forgiven for confusion as the cable news networks flashed reports at them. At 12:30 p.m. EST, MSNBC posted the words “Pope lost consciousness” on its screen. At the same moment, CNN was reporting: “Pope visibly joining in prayers of those around him.”‘

Read more at TV Networks Scramble to Cover Ill Pope

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