POPE JOHN PAUL II CURTAILS EASTER WEEK ACTIVITIES
by Stan Griffin

Pope John Paul II, who will soon be 82, has undergone a series of health problems that have taken a toll on a once-energetic pontiff. He has arthrosis, a joint disease, in one of his knees. He suffers "Parkinson-like" tremors and has difficulty walking because of 1993 hip surgery. Observers have commented on his stooped posture and frequent facial grimaces.

Due to these conditions, the Pope cut back on his activities during Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, he took the first-ever step of giving up his place at the Vatican altar. During the Good Friday procession, he was not able to carry the ceremonial cross.

On Easter Sunday, with the assistance of two cardinals, he celebrated Mass on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica. At times his face was twisted in pain, his left hand shook as he rested it on the altar, and he clutched a prayer bookstand for extra support.

In his message, the Pope urged Christians over the world to " ... help bring an end to the tragic sequence of atrocities and killings ... that bloody the Holy Land ... (today)."