Mexico City, Mexico, Oct 6, 2003 / 22:00 pm
Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico City, cautioned the faithful against believing reports in tabloid publications on John Paul II’s health, saying the Pope continues to work for the Church.
“Are you not aware that Pope Juan Paul is ill? Everyone knows that. He has been ill for many years. Did you know that the Holy Father will die someday? He will die just like all of us,” the Cardinal said while celebrating Mass in the Archdiocese’s Cathedral.
“Even though he is ill, the Holy Father continues to work. Yesterday he met with the leader of the Anglican Church. Today he canonized these new saints. Tomorrow he will have his audiences. This week he will travel to Pompey, Lord willing. The Holy Father continues to work, he continues to guide our Church. Therefore there’s no place for worry, for anxiety and especially for tabloid sensationalism,” the Cardinal said.
He asked the faithful to continue “praying for the Holy Father so that he will complete the mission the Lord has entrusted to him. We are filled with joy at today’s celebration: the canonization of these new saints.”