Recuperating Pope’s Schedule Is Cut Back
With Easter approaching, a recuperating Pope John Paul II has pared down his schedule to the minimum, postponing a trip to central Italy and limiting public greetings to appearances at his apartment window.
Speculation about the severity and nature of the pope’s latest illness was fueled by the changes announced Saturday. The heavy schedule of Easter-related Masses and events, which has become a test of stamina for the once vigorous pontiff, begins in just two weeks.
A papal spokesman insisted that the 75-year-old pontiff is recovering.
But the Vatican has refused to clarify the pope’s condition, saying only he suffered a “feverish syndrome of digestive nature.”
The pope came down with fever of about 100 degrees Tuesday. His temperature was reported normal Friday.
“He is clearly improving,” the papal spokesman said.
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