Vatican City, Jul 11, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Contrary to speculations that the Holy Father is writing a book or document during his vacation in Les Combes, northwest Italy, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Director of the Holy See Press Office, who is accompanying Pope John Paul, said, “The Holy Father is not preparing any document during these days of rest.”
There has also been a hypothesis floating around that he is writing a book on totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. But of this Navarro-Valls said: “During these days no, perhaps it is already finished, but I have not seen him work on this project here.”
Navarro-Valls also said that the Pope’s vacation “is proceeding very well and, as has happened on other occasions, following some days of rest, he is better. The cool climate allows him to sleep better and the outings keep him in very good spirits.”
The Pontiff’s days are given over to restful activities, says Valls: “The Pope dedicates a lot of time to reading and to prayer, not only in the chapel, and to long conversations on various topics.”