Pope Gives Thanks on Eve of Anniversary



From CTV.ca - Pope gives thanks on eve of 25th anniversary- CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television:



"A frail Pope John Paul gave thanks Sunday for his 25-year pontificate and asked for continued help to carry on, opening a week of ceremonies surrounding his papal anniversary amid increasing concerns about his health.



The 83-year-old John Paul spoke to the faithful from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square in a weak and laboured voice -- a day after the Vatican again denied reports he was undergoing kidney dialysis and confirmed his taxing schedule for the next several days.



John Paul himself referred to the mass he would celebrate Thursday to mark his Oct. 16, 1978, election, and said that as the anniversary neared, he was recalling his first Sunday appearance at St. Peter's after he was named Pope."