Pope to visit Pompeii

He will spend less than three hours in Pompeii, but Pope John Paul’s visit to a century-old shrine tomorrow is a sign for the Vatican that the frail pontiff’s papacy is still vibrant.

As concern grows for the 83-year-old pope’s health, John Paul has refused to cut back on his event-packed schedule this month when he is marking the 25th anniversary of his papacy on October 16.