Pope beatifies clerics jailed in Slovakia

Recalling Cold War-era crimes against the church, an ailing Pope John Paul II was wrapping up his gruelling pilgrimage today by beatifying two clerics jailed and tortured under Slovakia’s former communist regime.

In an open-air Mass in the Slovak capital Bratislava, the 83-year-old pope planned to elevate Greek Catholic Bishop Vasil Hopko and Roman Catholic Sister Zdenka Schelingova to the final step before possible sainthood.

John Paul’s 102nd foreign pilgrimage has severely tested his age and ailments.

The pope suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and crippling hip and knee ailments, and is wheeled around by aides on a throne-like chair.