Frail Pope opens week of anniversary ceremonies

Amid increasing concerns about his health, a frail Pope John Paul II gave thanks today for his 25-year pontificate and asked for continued help to carry on.

He was opening a week of ceremonies surrounding his papal anniversary

The 83-year-old John Paul spoke to the faithful from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square in a weak and laboured voice – a day after the Vatican again denied reports he was undergoing kidney dialysis and confirmed his taxing schedule for several days.

John Paul himself referred to the Mass he would celebrate on Thursday to mark his election on October 16, 1978 , and said that as the anniversary neared, he was recalling his first Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s after his election as Pope.

During those comments, he recalled, he had directed a special appeal to the young, telling them they were the future of the world, the hope of the church, and his own hope.

“I must recognise that the response of the young has been truly encouraging,” he said today, pausing several times to catch his breath and speaking in a hushed voice. Today, I want to thank them for having always been close to me during these years, and I want them to know that I continue to count on them.”

He also thanked all those who had prayed for him over the years and gave thanks to God “for his continued and provident help.”

John Paul’s appearance came a day after papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls went on Vatican Radio to express his surprise at seeing what he called irresponsible reports that the Pope was undergoing dialysis treatment.

The Pope suffers from Parkinson’s disease, and also has hip and knee ailments that make it nearly impossible for him to walk. He has appeared weaker in recent months, often unable to complete his speeches.

The AGI news agency reported on Friday that doctors were considering dialysis to prevent John Paul’s kidneys from being overburdened by the Parkinson’s medicine.

The ANSA news agency said the treatment had begun, but Navarro-Valls said the report was untrue.

“It’s obvious that the Pope has his physical limits that he doesn’t try to hide,” Navarro-Valls said. “At the same time, he makes a big effort so that these physical limits aren’t an obstacle to his mission.”

Navarro-Valls confirmed a busy upcoming schedule for the Pope, including Thursday’s anniversary Mass, the beatification three days later of Mother Teresa and a formal ceremony known as a consistory on October 21 to create 30 new cardinals.

When asked how the Pope would experience the anniversary, Navarro-Valls said “with a sense of thanks.”

“Because God wanted the results of this pontificate – a pontificate that still continues – to be enormous. I think the Pope will naturally thank God for all this,” he said.