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Pope Arrives In Canada Despite Health

TORONTO – A frail but determined Pope John Paul II is in Canada to join tens of thousands young Catholics in celebrating World Youth Day – part of a tour that also takes him to Guatemala and Mexico.

The pope, helped by two assistants, walked down the steps from his plane Tuesday at the Toronto airport. He was greeted by Prime Minister Jean Chretien, a ceremonial band, and more than 500 pilgrims.

His voice was weak and hard to understood as he addressed thousands of Catholic youths who watched the arrival on a large screen television in a Toronto park.

The pope said he was proud to be in Canada, a nation be called a champion of human rights. He also welcomed the young Catholics by telling them they have come together in peace and human dignity.

Pope John Paul will spend the next two days resting at a retreat north of Toronto before returning to the city Thursday. He flies to Guatemala and Mexico after celebrating mass Sunday.

Vatican officials deeply concerned about the pope’s health had urged the pope not to make the 11-day trip. The pope suffers from arthritis which makes it hard to stand or walk. He also shows symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

The annual World Youth Day celebrations are held in a different country every year. The event brings together as many as one million Catholic youths who want to learn more about their faith and celebrate mass with the pope.

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