ROME - Pope John Paul II will undergo surgery in Rome's Gemelli hospital today for the removal of his appendix, writes Paddy Agnew. The operation is scheduled to end early this morning, before a 10 a.m. news conference.
Discussing the operation on Italian radio yesterday morning, the Gemelli anaesthetist, Prof Corrado Manni, conceded that the Pope's medical record might cause complications.
Reuter adds: The Turkish gunman who almost killed Pope John Paul in 1981 has sent him a get well telegram from jail.
Mehmet Ali Agca, who is serving a life sentence, sent the message which read: "Dearest Karol Wojtyla, I am spiritually close to you. I am praying for you. The message ended: "Please accept my deep esteem and fraternal best wishes."