VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Pope Jean Paul II expressed his solidarity with Christians and other believers persecuted because of their faith. "Today I would like to evoke in particular Christian communities that are victims of persecution, as well as all other believers who suffer because of their faith," the 83-year-old pontiff said to a crowd of 20,000 who had gathered for prayers at St. Peter's square."Let the Lord give them the power to persevere and the capacity to love even those who persecute them," he said.The pope appeared in relatively good health despite suffering from Parkinson's disease, and he is planning several appearances next week.He intends to speak to pilgrims on Sunday, preside over a year-end thanksgiving ceremony on December 31, and hold mass on January 1 in celebration of the World Day of Peace.According to Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the pope is well enough to travel, and has received invitations to visit Switzerland, France, Austria and Mexico."He still hasn't decided, but he hasn't refused," Navarro-Valls told Italian state television on Thursday.

OPEN LETTER: APPEAL TO POPE JOHN PAUL II REGARDING THE 2003 CHRISTMAS CRACKDOWN AND THE ONGOING REPRESSION OF MONTAGNARD DEGAR CHRISTIANS IN VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA