Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Pope Appears at Hospital Window to Bless Faithful
-------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C05950:2AB91D3

John Paul II offers silent blessing to hundreds of faithful gathered
outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital





Pope John Paul II at a window of Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic
HospitalPope John Paul offered a silent blessing to hundreds of
faithful gathered Sunday outside his hospital room window, where the
Roman Catholic pontiff has been recovering from surgery to aid his
breathing.

A smiling 84-year-old John Paul appeared to be in good spirits as he
made the sign of the cross and waved in steady, strong gestures to
cheering pilgrims at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

He did not speak during his brief appearance, which was broadcast live
around the world and on large television screens set up in St. Peter's
Square at the Vatican where moments before a senior aide read the
pontiff's weekly message and Angelus prayer.

In his message, Pope Paul expressed a special thanks to believers of
other faiths, especially Jews and Muslims, for their prayers for his
recovery.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.


.