“For the next week, a more intense spotlight than usual falls on the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church as Pope John Paul II celebrates his 25th anniversary in office.

“For the next week, a more intense spotlight than usual falls on the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church as Pope John Paul II celebrates his 25th anniversary in office. The pope himself will occupy center stage. But arrayed around him will be the often ambitious, sometimes fractious members of his inner circle. That group is taking on greater importance as the 83-year-old pope becomes sicker and frailer. Hence the loud chatter during the past month that there may soon be a new secretary of state, a man who ranks second only to the pope. The incumbent, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, is 75, the usual age limit.”