The Pope's Party: Behind the Scenes

Today, the Vatican was filled with song and liturgy in honor of Pope John Paul II's silver jubilee. Rome is buzzing with activity as the Pope's 25-year reign is commemorated today and for the rest of the month.

But think of any family and friend gathering you've been to marking a birthday or anniversary. Isn't there always something going on behind the scenes, some rumors, some feud ready to blow, some intrigue, some secrets?

The Pope's celebration is no exception, as you can see in National Catholic Reporter's John L. Allen Jr's excellent report. Let's see, Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Brussels, Belgium, widely considered a leading candidate to succeed John Paul II, is making news for a little word spat he's having with Colombian Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, who heads the Pontifical Council for the Family. The two are arguing about comments concerning condoms, believe it or not.

And will he or will he not resign? That is the Pope question of the day. Says Cardinal Bernard Gantin of Benin: "Popes do not retire, they are chosen as servants for life."

Stay tuned.