71.   The trip comes in the middle of a busy travel schedule for the pope and his health will be closely watched.

72.   The trip comes one month before Mahathir, Asia longest-serving leader, visits Washington for talks with U.S. President George W. Bush.

73.   The trip comes after a two-year deadlock, generating hopes of the easing of tensions between the nations.

74.   The trip comes at a time when human rights groups say China has been cracking down on religions outside state control, including Roman Catholics.

75.   The trip comes at a time when new Egyptian Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat are working toward a framework for a permanent peace.

76.   The trip comes one month before his expected visit to Washington for talks with U.S. President George W. Bush.

77.   The trip came less than a week after the brutal terrorist attacks in the United States.

78.   The trip comes a week after rival China delivered Taiwan a diplomatic setback on the African continent by announcing restoration of ties with Niger.

79.   The trip comes amid growing tension between China and the United States over military exercises China is holding near the coast of Taiwan.

80.   The trip comes at the end of a two-month battle between pro-Pakistan guerrillas and Indian forces in Kashmir.