A Feeble Pontiff Appears in Public, Delivers Brief Blessing

A feeble but determined-looking Pope John Paul II appeared in public Sunday for the first time since he was hospitalized last week, waving from his hospital window and giving a brief blessing in a hoarse, faint voice.

The 84-year-old pontiff’s 10-minute appearance reassured well-wishers around the world that he was recovering from flu-related breathing difficulties that led doctors to rush him to Gemelli Polyclinic hospital on the outskirts of the Italian capital Tuesday night.

But his frail condition prevented him from delivering his traditional Sunday message and Angelus prayer. He sat in the window of the hospital’s 10th-floor papal suite, wearing a white cap and cassock, his head tilted to the right, while an archbishop stood next to him, reciting the prayer and delivering a message thanking the faithful.

“In the midst of the sick, to whom go my affectionate thoughts, I continue to serve the church and the whole of humanity,” the pope said in the message read by Msgr. Leonardo Sandri. “May the expression of my gratitude for the sincere and heartfelt affection reach all of you, dear brothers and sisters, and to all those in every part of the world who are close to me, something which during these days I felt in a particularly intense way.”

The pope’s flu was compounded by Parkinson’s disease and acute arthritis. He was diagnosed with acute laryngeal tracheitis, an inflammation of the trachea that can block breathing.

The chance to see the pope Sunday drew the faithful, journalists and 20 television satellite trucks to the Roman hospital. In St. Peter’s Square, a few thousand gathered in front of huge video screens broadcasting images live from the hospital on a cold but sunny day.

The crowds watched solemnly, and some people had tears in their eyes. They strained to understand as John Paul murmured a blessing in Latin and made the sign of benediction.

When he finished, the audience in St. Peter’s Square broke into applause and giant green balloons were released. Some expressed concern about his health crisis and relief he had again demonstrated resilience.

“God protects him, this is why he is still alive,” said Teresina Chosignano, 67, outside the Trinita dei Monti parish church in central Rome. “He fills my life with joy. He is like a grandfather to all of us.... His will is very strong. He won’t die so soon.”

Italian commentators said the appearance dispelled doubts the pontiff’s condition had persisted despite the Vatican’s periodic updates. A new medical update was expected today.

The Holy See has said John Paul will miss this week’s Ash Wednesday celebration for the first time since he became pope in 1978.

The Vatican’s secretary of state and second-in-command, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, said Saturday that he hoped the pontiff would be released from the hospital “within a few days.”

De Cristofaro reported from Rome and Rotella from Paris.