30/03/02
Pope frail at Easter ritual
by John Phillips
Times Online
THE Pope looking increasingly frail as he struggled to perform the traditional Good Friday ceremonies at the Vatican yesterday. His public duties over Holy Week have already been cut because of his failing health.
The pontiff, who will be 82 in May, suffers from Parkinson's disease and an arthritic right knee. He began the day by hearing the confessions of ordinary Roman Catholics, five women and four men, for an hour in St Peter's Basilica.
He took part in a Good Friday service at the Colosseum last night, and was due to perform an Easter Vigil service tonight and celebrate an Easter Mass in St Peter's Square tomorrow.
On Holy Thursday, for the first time in his 23-year pontificate, the Pope was unable to perform the ritual of the washing and kissing of the feet of priests, symbolising Christ's humility. He ceded his place to Cardinal Angelo Sodano and Cardinal Roger Etchegaray. During the Mass, the Pope's left hand trembled and his speech was slurred. Vatican sources said that Cardinal Sodano may take over the liturgical celebration in the Easter Vigil tonight