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John Paul marks 25 years as pope
VATICAN CITY -- The world's Roman Catholic cardinals and thousands of worshippers are descending on Rome to mark Pope John Paul II's 25th anniversary as pontiff. St. Peter's Square was packed Wednesday to hear the pontiff speak at his weekly general audience. His voice was strong but he had difficulty uttering his words at times, The Associated Press reported. Speaking in his native language to Polish pilgrims, the pope said: "I thank you from my heart for being here today and during all these 25 years. I am happy I can count on your spiritual support." He also spoke in Italian, inviting other pilgrims and residents of Rome to join him at Thursday's anniversary Mass "to praise the Lord and thank him for this happy event." The pope, who is the third-longest serving pontiff, will oversee a series of events during the week's celebrations, including the beatification of Mother Teresa and the creation of 31 new cardinals. Many see the elevation to the College of Cardinals -- the elite group that will choose his successor -- as an attempt by an ailing pope to influence the selection. Rumors have circulated that the 83-year-old pope, who suffers from Parkinsons' Disease and has difficulty walking and talking, may resign. Vatican officials deny this. (Full story) The last pope to willingly quit was Celestine V, who stepped down in 1294. Pope John Paul II's deteriorating health was most evident during his visit to Slovakia last month, where for the first time in 102 foreign trips he was unable to complete his arrival speech. The world's cardinals, presidents of bishops' conferences, heads of major Vatican departments and patriarchs have been invited to Wednesday's speeches. Two speeches will be delivered, but the pope is not expected to attend. It is believed he will be at the lengthy Mass Thursday, which will be a test of his stamina. Official delegations from several countries have been invited. The beatification of Mother Teresa on Sunday will break with tradition. John Paul has speeded things for the nun, who cared for the destitute, by waiving the mandatory five-year waiting period before formal evaluation of a candidate for beatification can begin. (Full story) The pope has created more saints and beatified more people than any pontiff in history -- more than all the previous popes combined. He has named 477 men and women as saints, and beatified a further 1,318. He has also traveled more, spoken more and published more than any of his predecessors. CNN's Walter Rodgers says the pope has been "dynamic" during his 25 years. "It was not just logging the miles ... but the message that the church is global, not just Roman." Rodgers said the pope was also attributed with helping heal the breach with Jews, visiting a synagogue, and helping bring down the Soviet system with his support for the Polish Solidarity movement.
But Pope John Paul, elected as a compromise and the first-non Italian pontiff in 455 years, has remained deeply rooted in conservative Catholicism during a time of change -- opposing gay marriage and women priests. He has come in for criticism for such stances, being branded a pope of the fifth-century rather than one who has been at its head as the church enters the 21st. Frances Kissling, head of Catholics for a Free Choice in Washington, said: "He will go down as a fifth-century pope in terms of who women are." Critics are a small and low-profile minority, partly because the Vatican has effectively crushed much unorthodox theological debate by barring openly critical thinkers from teaching and publishing with official approval, Reuters said. One of those banned is Swiss theologian Hans Kueng, who was banned from teaching in 1979. He has criticized the pope for refusing to end priestly celibacy, ordain women or ease the church's strict sexual morality stand. But the pope has not escaped criticism from traditionalists either. Conservatives who reject the Vatican II's reforms and clung to the Latin Mass have been disappointed by the pope's refusal to share their stand. They have also criticized him for showing reverence for Islam's holy book, the Koran, during a visit to a mosque. Copyright 2003 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
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