Fragile but resolute Pope marks 25 years

A FRAGILE yet determined Pope John Paul II celebrated his 25th anniversary yesterday, reaching a milestone matched only by three of his predecessors.

About 50,000 pilgrims packed St Peter's Square for an anniversary Mass that began at 6pm about the same time a quarter-century ago that white smoke from a Vatican chimney alerted the world a Polish cardinal named Karol Wojtyla had been elected the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

The crowd broke into applause when a weary John Paul was wheeled out to the altar in his chair, dressed in golden vestments.