Rome, Italy, Sep 9, 2004 / 22:00 pm
According to the Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Pittsburgh, who visited the the Holy Father this week, Pope John Paul II is “active and in command,” much more so than the bishop had expected.
Bishop Wuerl, who was told that the Pope would not be able to ask any questions because he has difficulty speaking, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that "to formulate words takes him a little longer, but he was clearly in command of the audience… I was very pleasantly surprised to find that he was as active as he was."
Expecting to have to do all the talking because of the Pope’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease, the Archbishop was surprised when "he reached out and touched my hand to stop me and asked about Bishop Wright," Wuerl said.
Cardinal John Wright, who was the former bishop of Pittsburgh and prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, was a close friend of the Pope, then bishop Karol Wojtyla of Krakow.
The Pope asked Bishop Wuerl about the date of the death of Cardinal Wright, the 25th anniversary of which was marked by the Pittsburgh diocese this year.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA