Highlights of Pope John Paul II's papacy

Page 3 of 3 -- -- May 4, 2001: Becomes first pope to visit Greece since Schism; issues sweeping apology for "sins of action and omission" by Roman Catholics against Orthodox Christians.

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-- Sept. 11: Condemns "unspeakable horror" of the day's terror attacks.

-- Sept. 22-27: Goes ahead with trip to Kazakhstan and Armenia despite security concerns following Sept. 11 attacks.

-- Nov. 22: Sends first Internet message, apologizing for missionary abuses against indigenous peoples of South Pacific.

-- Jan. 24, 2002: Convenes religious leaders from around world in Assisi to pray for peace following Sept. 11 attacks.

-- April 23: Summons U.S. cardinals to discuss sex abuse scandal, tells them there no place in priesthood for clerics who abuse young.

-- Nov. 14: Becomes first pontiff to address Italian legislature.

-- Feb. 14, 2003: Receives Iraqi deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz on eve of war.

-- March 6: "Roman Triptych," pope's first book of poetry since becoming pontiff, published.

-- May 17: Cardinal, in newspaper interview, confirms pope has Parkinson's disease.

-- June 5-9: Makes 100th foreign trip, visiting Croatia.

-- July 31: Vatican launches global campaign against gay marriages.

-- Aug. 15, 2004: Breathes heavily and gasps during open-air Mass at Lourdes, France.

-- Feb. 1, 2005: Rushed to Rome hospital with flu and difficulties breathing.

-- Feb. 10: Released from hospital.

-- Feb. 22: Pope's newest book, "Memory and Identity," is officially launched. Describes for first time moments after being shot in 1981, saying he was "almost on the other side" but thought he'd live.

-- Feb. 23: Holds longest audience -- 30 minutes -- since being hospitalized. It's broadcast by video instead of being held in person at apartment window because of rain and winds.

-- Feb. 24: Readmitted to hospital suffering fever and congestion from a relapse of the flu.

-- March 13: Discharged from hospital.

-- March 25: Unable for the first time to appear in public on a Good Friday, but shown via video sitting in his chapel.

-- March 27: Delivered Easter Sunday blessing to tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square but was unable to speak and managed only to greet the saddened crowd with a sign of the cross.

-- March 30: Appeared briefly in public at his window, looking gaunt and unable to speak; feeding tube inserted in his nose.

-- March 31: Health declined sharply, with urinary tract infection, high fever, septic shock and kidney and heart problems.

-- April 1: Listed in "very grave condition" but reported to be "fully conscious and extraordinarily serene." One of his closest advisers, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, told the Italian bishops' news agency: "He's aware he's passing to the Lord."

-- April 2: After being described in "very serious" condition with a high fever, pronounced dead at 9:37 p.m.