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.

As dusk fell on Rome, he addressed the crowd in a strong and clear voice, delivering a homily in which he recalled the moment of his election and his decision, after some doubts, to accept the honour. He asked for support to continue, but put his fate in God's hands.

"I renew in the hands of Maria, beloved mother, the gift of myself, of the present and the future. Everything will be done according to your will," he said.

But there was also a bitter-sweet atmosphere in Rome since the 83-year-old pope, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, is so clearly ailing. Nevertheless, he has continued to defy sceptics, insisting on keeping up with his schedule despite his inability to walk or even stand.

"He's frail, obviously, and been frail for a while. He's hurting," said Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington DC.

Official congratulations poured in yesterday , including one from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will meet the pope next month.