Anointing of the Sick

Can. 1004 §1: "The anointing of the sick can be administered to a member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age."

New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law: Study Edition. John P. Beal, James A. Coriden, Thomas Joseph Green.

"[From the Ritual:] 'Sick children may be anointed [in accord with the canon: are to be anointed] if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened [confortari] by this sacrament.' Canon 1005 in effect adds that the sacrament is to be administered even if it remains doubtful whether the child (or the retarded person) has sufficient reaonsing power to be (spiritually, physically, and/or psychologically) strengthened by anointing. Although the limited requirement of the use of reason is related to the forgiving nature and effect of the sacrament, there is no demand that the child should have committed any sin or be repentant for any sin. Finally, there is no application of this canon (or of c. 1004, §1) to those who have had the use of reason and then have become mentally incompetent; no doubt whatever exists in such cases, and such persons are to be anointed."