Pope begins northern Italian vacation, says all need time for rest

Published: 2004-07-06

INTROD, Italy (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II began his mountain vacation in northern Italy under heavy security, stopping briefly to listen to local schoolchildren recite a poem of welcome. After a flight from Rome, the pope arrived July 5 in Les Combes, near Introd in the Aosta Valley. His chalet-style residence was fenced off and dozens of Italian police guarded the perimeter. Passing through the village, the pope's car stopped briefly so he could accept flowers, listen to the mayor's greeting and hear the children's poem. Other than recital of the Angelus July 11, the pope had no public activities planned before his return to Rome July 17. Before leaving Rome, the pope wished everyone a happy vacation, saying people need an annual period of "serene relaxation." He said those who cannot take a real vacation should at least be able to break up their work schedule to include recreation and leisure activities.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .