Frail Pope Faces Week of Anniversary Celebrations

World | October 12, 2003, Sunday // 00:00

An ailing but determined Pope John Paul II faced one of the toughest weeks of his pontificate as he prepared for the 25th anniversary of his election amid deepening concerns about his failing health. The tired pontiff, who has nonetheless maintained a visibly punishing schedule of public appearances, faltered during the start of his weekly Angelus address on Sunday. But as before, he appeared to respond to the encouraging applause of pilgrims, recovering to complete the short address in which he recalled his first Angelus greeting from his apartment window almost exactly 25 years ago. On Thursday at 16:00 GMT -- close to the time of day when the practically unknown Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected pope -- the pontiff will preside over a special thanksgiving mass with his cardinals in St Peter's Square.

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