Pope's ill-health overshadows Good Friday ceremonies
Pope John Paul II’s absence was felt by worried followers as poor health forced him to miss major Holy Week events, and the pontiff’s suffering gave special significance to Good Friday’s ceremonies.
The Pope, from his apartment, watched Holy Thursday services in St. Peter’s Basilica on television as a cardinal read a message to the faithful on his behalf in an early evening service recalling the Last Supper of Christ.
