Pope John Paul spoke during a televised recording of a Mass in his hospital suite today.
The 84-year-old Pope murmured the blessing at the end of the Mass, which was attended by bishops from Tanzania. It was the first time his voice has been heard in public since his throat surgery last month.
The pontiff's voice during the blessing was barely audible. However, in a separate meeting with the visiting clerics, he said "God bless you" in a much clearer, stronger voice.
The Pope has been in hospital since February 24th, when he underwent a tracheotomy to help ease severe breathing problems.
He is undergoing breathing and speech rehabilitation therapy and still has a tube in his throat to help air get to his lungs.
The Vatican said yesterday the Pope would remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital for the time being but would be back at the Vatican by start of Holy Week on March 20th.