Church officials in the Philippines capital gave no reason for the cancellation, although they have said previously said the visit would depend on the Pope's health.

The Vatican has conveyed to the archbishop of Manila the sad news that His Holiness Pope John Paul II will not be able to attend the World Meeting of Families in Manila

Statement from Cardinal Sin's office

He was to have gone to the Philippines in January to address an international conference on the strengthening of family life.

The 82-year old pontiff suffers from arthritis and Parkinson's disease and the BBC's Rome correspondent David Willey says that according to reliable Vatican sources the Pope is cutting back on long-distance trips on the advice of his doctors.

Last week he made an emotional four-day visit to his homeland Poland, where millions turned out to see him, but he told residents in Krakow that it was his farewell visit.

Crowd pleaser

"The Vatican has conveyed to the archbishop of Manila the sad news that His Holiness Pope John Paul II will not be able to attend the World Meeting of Families in Manila," a statement from the office from Cardinal Sin said.

Millions turned out to see the Pope in Poland

The Pope has appointed Cardinal Alfonso Trujillo of Colombia to represent the Vatican in his stead.

John Paul II last visited the Philippines, the only Roman Catholic country in Asia, in 1995 when his presence drew a crowd of some five million Filipinos - one of the largest for a visiting pontiff.

The Pope's ailing health has been the subject for concern for some time now.

He has frequently seemed tired on recent trips abroad, but our correspondent says that nonetheless he plans to continue travelling - just closer to home.

He is expected to still carry out journeys to closer destinations, such as a visit to Croatia next spring, but with more rest period incorporated into his itinerary to allow him to recuperate.