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Pope Makes Surprise Appearance at Hospital Window
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John Paul II blesses people gathered outside clinic where he was taken
last week for emergency treatment of renewed breathing problems





Pope John Paul II at a 10th-floor window of the Gemelli Hospital
(AP photo) Pope John Paul made a surprise appearance at his
hospital window in Rome Sunday, blessing people gathered outside the
clinic where he was taken last week for emergency treatment of renewed
breathing problems.

The pope appeared at a 10th-floor window of the Gemelli Hospital and
waved to the crowd moments after the weekly Angelus prayer service in
St. Peter's Square, but he did not speak.

The number-two official at the Vatican, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, stood
behind the seated pope, who wore his customary white vestments. The
pontiff blessed the crowd by making the sign of the cross in clear
gestures.

At the Vatican, an archbishop appeared in place of John Paul to bless
pilgrims, and he read a message from the pope thanking Catholics for
their affection and asking for their prayers. The crowds outside St.
Peter's Basilica were unaware of the pope's brief appearance at the
hospital.

The 84-year-old pope, leader of the world's Roman Catholics since
1978, has never before failed to participate in the Sunday service at
St. Peter's - either in person or through a live or recorded message
from another location during his travels. However, doctors who
installed a breathing tube in his throat on Thursday have said he
should not speak for the time being, so he can recover from his recent
breathing difficulties.

He has been communicating with aides in writing.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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