Pope to visit Pompeii
He will spend less than three hours in Pompeii, but Pope John Paul’s visit to a century-old shrine tomorrow is a sign for the Vatican that the frail pontiff’s papacy is still vibrant.
As concern grows for the 83-year-old pope’s health, John Paul has refused to cut back on his event-packed schedule this month when he is marking the 25th anniversary of his papacy on October 16.
He will arrive by helicopter from the Vatican, be driven by the ruins of ancient Pompeii and then lead a prayer service at the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary. About 30,000 pilgrims are expected.
John Paul suffers from Parkinson’s disease and crippling hip and knee ailments that make it difficult for him to even stand.
As it adapts to his condition, the Vatican has devised a new lift to get on and off the Italian air force helicopter.
Even if his Pompeii visit is scaled down compared to 24 years ago, the Vatican has described the trip as a sign that the papacy is still active.
While several ranking churchmen have spoken openly about John Paul’s frail health, others, such as Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, head of the Congregation of Bishops, insist he is alert, fully in charge of the church and planning ahead.
Some officials speculated privately that his pilgrimage Slovakia last month, when he looked particularly weak and was unable to read most of his speeches, would be his last foreign tour.
Others, however, have said that John Paul hopes to keep travelling.
Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller, who met John Paul on Friday, said the pope told him that “God willing” he would make another visit to his homeland.
“He has taken many hard blows, he has suffered a lot, he has been criticised a lot,” said French Archbishop Philippe Barbarin.
”What is very edifying is to see that he has accepted all of this peacefully.”
