No General Audience on Wednesday

The Pope might, however, appear at the window of his apartment as he did last week, according to a statement today by Father Ciro Benedettini, assistant director of the Vatican press office.

In the face of Italian press reports that the Holy Father's health was deteriorating, the priest said that a news update on John Paul II's health would be given at the proper moment.

The Pope was last seen publicly on Palm Sunday, when he appeared for a few minutes at his apartment window after Mass. He seemed to be in a delicate state of health.

No decision has been made on the Pope's possible participation in Good Friday's Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, added Father Benedettini.

John Paul II's doctors have urged him to rest. He is scheduled to appear in public to give his traditional blessing on Easter Sunday.