Poor health threatens Pope's Easter masses

The Pope may not be able to celebrate the Stations of the Cross ceremony in Rome today, because of health worries.

Vatican officials say that between now and Easter Sunday, a case-by-case decision will be made on whether the Pope should be the main celebrant at Easter festivities.

A frail Pope John Paul II, weakened by his ailments, struggled through Holy Thursday ceremonies in St Peter's Basilica, twice ceding his place at the ornate main altar to other clerics.

It was the second time in less than a week that John Paul has let someone else take his place in a major Holy Week ceremony.

The pontiff, who will be 82 in May and suffers from symptoms of Parkinson's, had a tough schedule yesterday, a Mass in the morning and another one in late afternoon.

The Good Friday procession, which symbolized Jesus' path to his crucifixion, has been modified in deference to John Paul's age and health.

He used to carry a wooden cross for the entire half-mile procession, but stopped last year.