THE POPE is “serenely abandoning” himself to God’s will, according to a senior Vatican cardinal. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the head of the Congregation of Bishops, made his comments during a sermon at a Maundy Thursday Chrism Mass at St Peter’s, in Rome, where he was standing in for the ailing Pope John Paul II.

Senior Roman Catholic sources in London emphasised last night that the comments referred to the Pope’s spiritual rather than physical health, but acknowledged that his health was deteriorating.

The Cardinal’s comments came at the end of a week where the Pope’s health has worsened further, with reports by Italian news agencies that he has been vomiting, suffering strong headaches and not responding to medication.

However, the doctors treating him said that there were no immediate plans for the Pope to return to hospital, although just one public engagement, an Easter Sunday blessing, is scheduled for him this weekend, making this the first year in his papacy that he has missed the traditional Holy Week services.

The 84-year-old Pope, whose health remains troubled since he underwent throat surgery at the Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, last month, watched yesterday morning’s service on television from his Vatican apartments.

Cardinal Re said: “We want to thank him for the witness he continues to give us even through his example of serene abandonment to God, which he links to the mystery of the Cross.” At the start of the Mass, the Cardinal read a message from the Pope. It said: “I am united ideally with all of you who are gathered in the Vatican basilica. Via television from my apartment, my dearest ones, I am spiritually with you.”

Maundy Thursday is the day that Catholics commemorate the founding of the priesthood. On this day priests renew the vows they first took when they were ordained.

The Pope underwent a tracheotomy to relieve severe breathing problems on February 24. He has spent a total of 28 days in two stints at the Gemelli Hospital. Since he left hospital on March 13 the Pope, who also suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and arthritis, has made four brief appearances but has not spoken in public.

On Wednesday this week, the day he normally holds his general audience, the Pope made a 65-second appearance from his window overlooking St Peter’s Square. According to Reuters, he looked gaunt, pale and pained.

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