Holy Week Highlights Pope’s Suffering

Pope John Paul II, not strong enough to walk with a cross in the Good Friday procession, stood as the ceremony neared its end and, for a few minutes, held the cross that had been carried by other celebrants.

Stooped, trembling and often grimacing in pain, John Paul’s suffering was evident.

But the pontiff has insisted on officiating at Easter ceremonies, and the Vatican is setting up a special altar in St. Peter’s Basilica to avoid having him climb steps, an aide said.

In keeping with a Good Friday tradition, John Paul spent an hour in the Basilica hearing confessions from people of various nationalities chosen from the crowd.

On Holy Thursday, in a sharp break with tradition, John Paul let two cardinals perform the ritual washing and kissing of the feet of priests, which symbolizes humility. On Palm Sunday and in ceremonies Thursday, the pope sat on the side while a cardinal celebrated Mass.

John Paul, who became the Roman Catholic pontiff in 1978, suffers a Parkinson’s disease-like tremor and has had difficulty walking since hip surgery in 1994.

The ongoing decrease in his strength and stamina has been dramatic. Just a year ago, the pope was able to move down a line of a dozen priests, pouring water on each man’s right foot from a golden pitcher, wiping them dry and bringing the feet to his lips.

Cheers of “Viva il papa!” and strong applause resounded from the faithful when the pope blessed them. Instead of reading a closing speech, the pope offered improvised reflections on the suffering of Jesus.