Pope appears in video link to 'Way of the Cross' event

ROME - Pope John Paul, whose illness has prevented him from leaving the Vatican, on Friday night used a video link to join a traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession in Rome.

It was the first time in his papacy, now in its 27th year, that the 84-year-old Pope has missed the procession around Rome's ancient Colosseum which commemorates the last hours in Christ's life.

Huge television screens were placed outside the Colosseum so the faithful could see him.

Wearing his traditional white cassock, the Pope watched the beginning of the service sitting in a chair in his private chapel in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

Television pictures showed the Pope from behind as he was watching a live broadcast of the event, which was due to last more than an hour. The Pope did not speak.

In a message to the crowd read for him by Rome Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope said he was "spiritually with you at the Colosseum, a place which evokes in me so many memories and emotions. "

He added: "Even I offer up my sufferings, so that God's plan is fulfilled and so that his word spreads among the people. I am also close to those who, at this moment, are tried by sufferings. I pray for each one of them."

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 Rome's Gemelli hospital in the past two months.

Since he left hospital on March 13 the Pope, who also suffers from parkinson's disease and severe arthritis, has made five public appearances, including the one on Friday night.

Vatican sources say his recovery from surgery is slower than they had hoped.

- REUTERS