DECLARATION FROM HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, MAR 5, 2002 (VIS) - This morning, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"The Holy Father's personal doctor, having consulted with his colleagues, and considering the persistent painful symptoms in the Pope's right knee, certainly arthrotic in origin, has advised the Holy Father to take due rest in order to best cure the complaint.

"For this reason, the general audience of tomorrow, March 6, will have two distinct stages: First, in the Paul VI Hall, the catechesis prepared by the Holy Father will be read in various languages. Then, the pilgrims will move to St. Peter's Square to receive a greeting and a closing blessing from John Paul II who will appear at the window of his study in the Vatican's Apostolic palace.

"Furthermore, the two visits to Roman parishes, scheduled for coming Sundays, have been postponed to a later date."

OP;...;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20020305;Word: 160;