Pope John Paul has made an unprecedented visit to Rome city council, the first pope ever to do so. The visit came just four days after a weekend appearance at which he lurched forward and appeared to be in danger of collapse. Since then there has been fresh speculation about the health of the Pope who is 77 but the Vatican insists there is no cause for concern.

There was intense scrutiny as the Pope arrived at Rome city council, which is housed in splendour over-looking a square designed by Michelangelo. The Pope's near collapse at the weekend caused widespread concern.

The Vatican was hoping he would look more robust this time but in the event he did not. His progress up the stairs to the first floor entrance was painfully slow; once inside his tiredness was all too evident.

There were brief clashes outside the city council between police and gay activist, protesting against the Roman Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality, but for the most part the Pope had an adoring crowd. When he emerged on the balcony to speak he looked frail; as is often the case lately, the shaking of his left hand was pronounced.

That's widely attributed to Parkinson's disease, the Vatican doesn't deny that he suffers from it. The Pope called on the crowds below to help build an open society and then mentioned something close to his heart, his trip to Cuban in less than a weeks time.

The five day trip will be gruelling and is bound to take a toll on the Pope's health but close observers are not concerned despite the Pope's evident weakness. They say he is determined that nothing will interfere with the visit which he has long wanted to make.