Pope begins fifth and probably final trip to Spain

Pope John Paul II began a whirlwind visit to Spain today, testing his frail health and seeking to reinvigorate Spanish Catholics who’ve strayed from their once-dominant church.

The pontiff, who turns 83 this month, arrived at Barajas airport outside Madrid aboard an Alitalia jet. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia greeted him at the VIP terminal as he began his first visit abroad in nine months.