Fears ease over the Pope's health

(First Edition)

Pope John Paul II yesterday exhorted 600,000 worshippers to greater commitment to Christ's message as an aide eased widespread concerns about the pontiff's health, AFP reports from Seville.

The mass marked the closure of the International Eucharist Congress. Observers noted on Saturday that the pontiff seemed extremely tired, especially during the Mass celebrated at Seville's main sports hall. But a Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro, reassured journalists that the Pope was in 'good shape'.