VATICAN CITY – The Vatican says the pope needs some rest after a hectic week.
The Vatican is dropping an afternoon Mass from Pope John Paul's schedule Friday to give the pontiff more time to rest. The Mass with university students in St. Peter's Basilica is an annual event. The 83-year-old pontiff had presided over week-long events to mark his 25th anniversary as pope.
His spokesman said the Mass was canceled to, “lighten his schedule after such a busy week.”
The spokesman said the pope will hold his regularly scheduled meetings Saturday.
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