ROME - A frail and "suffering" Pope John Paul II appeared to pilgrims attending a solemn re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion at Rome's Colosseum late Friday, via a video link from his private chapel in the Vatican.
"I am spiritually with you at the Colosseum," the ailing pontiff said in a message read out to the congregation by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his Vicar for the diocese of Rome.
The ailing pope, whose recovery from a throat operation is complicated by Parkinson's disease, said he was offering his "suffering so that God's wish can be realised and his word goes forth among the people".
The pope, who once again made no attempt to speak, was shown seated in an armchair wearing his vestments, signifying that he was participating in the ceremony. A television screen in front of him was showing the ceremony at the Colosseum, across the city.
"In my way I am close to those who, at this time, are tried by suffering. I pray for each one of you," according to the message.
It was the first time in his 26-year pontificate that John Paul II was physically absent from the solemn Good Friday Way of the Cross ceremony.
The pope has already missed the mass of the Last Supper on Thursday, and had to break the tradition he set in 1979 to hear the confessions of ordinary pilgrims on Good Friday morning at St. Peter's.
Thousands of pilgrims were gathered for the ceremony outside the Roman Colosseum, across from which stood a two-metre high cross made of burning candles.
Large groups of nuns and priests from the world over mixed with candle bearing pilgrims and tourists in the large area cordoned off by police.
Many said theywere saddened by the pope's absence.
"We feel sad because the leader of our Church cannot be with us to accompany Christ in his passion," said Franco Helbas, a student priest from Mendoza, Argentina.
Nicole Baalman, a pilgrim from Lawrence, Kansas, thought of the pope's pain. "We know it is probably harder for him not to be here with us than for us not to have him here."
Rita Gotllob, from Germany, said one had to understand that the pope too could be ill. "He is after all, a normal person. He is allowed to be ill."
Tens of millions of people were likely to be watching on television as the late night ceremony was being broadcast live by 54 television stations in 39 countries.
The recovering pontiff, who has not spoken in public since he was discharged from hospital on March 13, has sent repeated messages read out by his cardinals at the ceremonies, telling the faithful that he is with them "in spirit."
03/25/2005 21:43 GMT