Vatican says pope will not hold weekly general audience March 16

Published: 2005-03-15

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II, who was released from a Rome hospital March 13, was continuing his convalescence and would not hold his weekly general audience March 16, the Vatican announced. The Vatican also said March 15 that it had planned no alternative form of the weekly gathering, which usually revolves around a papal reflection on Scripture, church teaching or religious observances and holy days. At the U.S. bishops' office for visitors in Rome March 15, staff members were trying to gently let down the 628 people -- including three newlywed couples -- who had asked for the free tickets to the March 16 audience. Mercy Sister Anthony Mary, who coordinates ticket requests and helps pilgrims, said: "They are all very disappointed. But most are going to St. Peter's Square anyway to see if the Holy Father will come out."

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