VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope Benedict has started using a wheeled
platform to navigate the long aisle of St. Peter's Basilica. It's the same device employed by his ailing predecessor to reduce fatigue.

The platform was pushed by aides along the marble floor toward the main altar. Benedict gripped his pastoral staff with one hand and the device's support bar with the other.

The 84-year-old pontiff occasionally took his hand off the bar to wave to thousands of faithful flanking his route in the basilica. He celebrated a Mass dedicated to encouraging missionary zeal. Benedict walked steadily around the central altar and up and down its steps, but appeared less agile. But Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi insisted the platform wasn't being used for any "medical reason," just to reduce fatigue.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)