1.   Because of his staunchly conservative views on such issues as abortion, the pontiff is not a popular person here, even among some Catholics.

2.   The pontiff has been a steadfast opponent of liberation theology and seeks, throughout the hemisphere, to appoint bishops who do not challenge his authority.

3.   The pontiff has long been alarmed about the ease and frequency with which the Catholic Church in the United States gives annulments.

4.   Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the pontiff is at his vacation palace outside of Rome and preparing for a trip to Hungary on Friday.

5.   At a gathering of bishops and clergymen after the Mass, the pontiff was more direct.

6.   In his more vigorous days, the pontiff was an avid skier and mountaineer.

7.   Nonetheless, the pontiff is beloved by many Americans.

8.   The Israeli embassy to the Holy See said Peres had hoped to meet with Pope John Paul II, but was told the pontiff was too busy.

9.   The Israeli embassy to the Holy See said Peres had hoped to meet with Pope John Paul II, too, but was told the pontiff was too busy.

10.   The pontiff was also sharp in his condemnation of terrorism in the name of religion.