BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The world has been focusing all week now, celebrating with Pope John Paul II. A billion Catholics around the world, 25 years as head of the church. His weekly mass today in Saint Peter's Square drew tens of thousands of pilgrims. That is the weekly mass that goes along with the week's celebrations here. Walter Rodgers live from Vatican City now to talk about what's happening on this day today. Walter, hello there. Good afternoon.</s>WALTER RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill. The Vatican is planning a regal theological celebration tomorrow, the 25th anniversary of the accession of Pope John Paul III to the Throne of Saint Peter. The pope in this general audience that he held in Saint Peter's Square earlier today expressed his gratitude for all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf. He is in frail health. Nonetheless, in his remarks this morning in Saint Peter's Square, the pope did manage a fairly robust, given his general condition, statement. He spoke, still slurring some words, but that's not new. That's been going on for several months. He did seem to tire midway through his five-minute long remarks, and you could hear him breathing heavily. Nonetheless, he was enthusiastic enough to invite everyone who was in Saint Peter's Square today back tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. in the evening, when he celebrates a mass commemorating his accession to the Throne of Saint Peter, and he's asked everyone in Rome back to Saint Peter's Square to help him celebrate tomorrow -- Bill.</s>HEMMER: Walter Rodgers. What a week it is there in the Vatican, and you'll be along to see it. Thanks, and again, we'll talk tomorrow. Walter Rodgers from Rome, Italy.
Celebrating With Pope John Paul II