CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: It will be a silver celebration of a popular papal reign. Last minute preparations now under way in Rome for tomorrow's ceremony marking the 25 years of Pope John Paul's tenure. Walter Rodgers live in Rome with details on the celebration. Good morning.</s>WALTER RODGERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. Pope John Paul II, on the eve of his succession to the throne of St. Peter 25 years earlier, presided over a general audience in St. Peter's Square this morning and he appeared to be in fairly good form. The Pope toured St. Peter's Square where tens of thousands of faithful pilgrims had gathered to wish him well for the 25th anniversary of papacy. The Pope appeared reasonably hale, waving in the square as he toured the square, and then he spoke to the audience. His speech lasted about five minutes. Some of the words were slurred. He spoke in Italian. It was rather difficult to understand him. And over the course of the five minutes, he did appear to weaken somewhat. But he did finish the speech, unlike previous speeches where he had to abbreviate them because he just wasn't strong enough. Again, this is a frail Pope at this point. He is 83 years old, has suffered many afflictions, including an assassination attempt in 1981, but he continues to cling to the throne of St. Peter -- Carol.</s>COSTELLO: Walter Rodgers reporting live from Rome this morning. Stay with CNN for much more on the Pope's Silver Anniversary. Be sure to tune in for a special "PAULA ZAHN NOW" live from Rome. That comes your way at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Pope's Anniversary: A Silver Celebration