VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope John Paul II has decided not to make a trip to the Philippines in January, another sign that age and infirmity are curbing papal travel.
A letter from the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, informed the Archdiocese of Manila that the Pope would not be able to attend the Fourth World Family Meeting in Manila from January 23-26, Vatican sources said on August 27.
The office of Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila said the decision was ‘sad news’ and asked for prayers for the Pope’s health.
The Vatican press office did not officially confirm that the Pope would not be going, but informed sources who asked not to be identified said the trip was off.
Vatican aides were concerned that the 13-hour flight to the Philippines and the six-hour time difference could take a heavy physical toll on the 82 year-old pontiff, who suffers from a nervous system disorder
