Ailing Pope cancels events

AN AILING Pope John Paul II cancelled all scheduled appearances yesterday, including the biggest event planned during his 13-day trip to his homeland, an open-air Mass in Krakow.

Fears for his health rose after the 79-year-old pontiff developed a fever. A spokesman said he was receiving "anti- influenza therapy". His health has been causing concern since he arrived in Poland: although he spoke with strength and conviction at most outdoor engagements, he has appeared frail, especially on his last stops.

On Saturday he fell, causing a head wound that needed stitches. But Vatican officials said there was "absolutely no connection" between the fever and the fall. The Pope has visited 15 cities since his trip began on 5 June.

A million worshippers gathered for yesterday's Mass in Krakow, the Pope's former diocese, where he was ordained a priest in 1946 and served as archbishop before his 1978 election as Pope.

The Mass was finally said by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, with the sermon read in Polish by the Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski.