Vatican City: Pope John Paul will remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital for the time being but will be back at the Vatican by the start of Holy Week on March 20th, the Vatican said yesterday
The pontiff spoke during a televised recording of a Mass in his hospital suite yesterday, the first time his voice has been heard in public since his throat surgery last month.
The 84-year-old pontiff murmured the blessing at the end of the Mass, which was attended by bishops from Tanzania.
His 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. He has been in hospital since February 24th, when he underwent a tracheotomy to help ease severe breathing problems.
- (Reuters)