Free Republic

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican said Monday Pope John Paul would remain in hospital for a few more days as his top aide spoke openly about the possibility of the frail Pontiff eventually retiring for the good of the Church. In its latest health bulletin the Vatican said that although the 84-year old Pope was improving, he would stay in Rome's Gemelli hospital at least until Thursday as a precaution. He was rushed there just before midnight last Tuesday with acute breathing problems brought on by a bout of influenza. The Vatican originally said he would spend just a...

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) -- Pope John Paul II denounced the "imbalance" between the world's rich and poor Sunday and applauded efforts to eliminate hunger, like the recent U.N. initiative to increase funds for development. The 84-year-old pontiff had to stop for breath every few words as he spoke to a few hundred pilgrims and tourists in his last Sunday appearance this season at his summer palace in the hill town of Castel Gandolfo. John Paul has Parkinson's disease, making it difficult for him to walk and to pronounce his words. The pontiff said Sunday's Gospel passage about Lazarus, an...