Pope Leaves Hospital, Urged to Take It Easy

Pope John Paul II left the hospital Tuesday and returned to the Vatican after doctors removed the stitches from his appendectomy and predicted he could resume his hectic schedule in several weeks.

Before leaving his 10th-floor suite at the Gemelli Hospital, the pontiff bid farewell to young patients. Walking with a cane, he waved to well-wishers and gave his blessing as he got into a limousine.

Doctors have said they hope the 76-year-old pope takes it easy during his recuperation. His physicians declared the operation a success and said the pope was recovering well. They said the removal of the appendix, which they termed inflamed, would resolve recent bouts of fever.

Just days after the Oct. 8 operation, the pope was working from his hospital bed, the Vatican said.

John Paul’s departure from the hospital came as he prepared to celebrate today’s anniversary of his 1978 election as pope by cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. The next major event on his calendar is a Nov. 1 celebration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination.

Doctors said the surgery was needed because of intestinal problems that had led to the bouts of fever. The Vatican blamed the pope’s weakened condition in past months on the inflamed appendix.

During an appearance Sunday at his hospital window, John Paul kept his trembling left hand out of sight. Vatican officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said that Parkinson’s disease may be the cause of that condition. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that can be slowed by medicine.