For aging pope, 2003 was bittersweet year marked by milestones

Published: 2003-12-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- For Pope John Paul II, 2003 was a year of four foreign trips, five major documents, 30 new cardinals, 48 general audiences, endless 25th anniversary celebrations, an intense diplomatic campaign to head off war in Iraq and 28 new saints and blesseds -- including Mother Teresa of Calcutta. And most people thought the pope was slowing down. It was a typical 12 months for the 83-year-old pontiff: While the media was speculating on his declining health and his eventual successor, he was keeping up a schedule that would tire many people half his age. Pope John Paul met with some 20 foreign leaders or government ministers during the year. He spoke privately with nearly 300 bishops from around the world. And he greeted a steady stream of pilgrims, Catholic associations, ambassadors, interreligious groups and conference participants.

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