After the absolutely scandalous way in which Vatican authorities treated John Paul II’s declining health, and final days, basically hanging out a good doctor to dry when he merely (honestly) alluded to a treatment associated with Parkinson’s disease, it’s good that the current Vatican is being far more proactive in disclosing the ailing and aging pontiff’s condition as he potentially enters his final agony.

However, I think the Vatican has now officially overcorrected. Some of the press releases, containing phrases like “passed peacefully” — as in through the night — are bound to be misread, and misreported. They call to mind the incompetent doctor of Arrested Development: “He’s going to be all-right.” Other statements, erring now on the side of disclosure and transparency, arguably trespass upon the pope’s privacy and encourage maudlin sentiment.

We do not need to know that the pope suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis” on Saturday morning, from which he has since partly recovered. Save that for the books.  There is a very standard vocabulary for communicating the basic situation. Just tell us: Is he in fair, serious, or critical condition? Is he recovering, or is the situation worsening?

There are other factual pieces of reporting that can help us navigate. Has the Vatican cleared his schedule for a week, or indefinitely? If he wants it to be reported, has he received the Anointing of the Sick?  If everyone believes he is entering his very final hours, just tell us that.

Finally, it would be important for someone in the know to tell us whether or when all of the pope’s standing decisions of governance before entering this period of illness will be completed and announced. This should be done as quickly as possible, to work against even the appearance of intrigue.