POPE JOHN PAUL II WALKS DOWN THE STAIRS OF THE PLANE AFTER ARRIVING AT THE BALICE...

Pope John Paul II walks down the stairs of the plane after arriving at the Balice airport near Krakow August 16, 2002. Pope John Paul arrived in Poland on Friday to lift the spirits of his homeland and appeared immediately to dismiss reports that he would retire in his native land and not return to the Vatican. The Pope, as if to dispel talk he was a spent force, showed surprising vigour on his arrival, descending the plane steps with only the help of an aide. On recent trips the tired Pope had to be lowered from his plane on a special cargo lift. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen JFL/JDP