Pope appears briefly at apartment window

Pontiff doesn't speak, gives blessing to cheering crowd

Associated Press

March 24, 2005

VATICAN CITY- A gaunt-looking Pope John Paul II made another silent appearance from his apartment window yesterday, giving his blessing to thousands in St. Peter's Square, where many wept at the sight of his battle with health problems during Holy Week.

The appearance lasted about a minute, far short of the hour-plus audiences the pontiff traditionally held with the faithful on Wednesdays.

Holy Week, which culminates Sunday on Easter, draws big crowds to Rome for the ceremonies, which until this year have been presided over by Pope John Paul. But except for an Easter blessing, the pope has designated cardinals to lead this week's events.

An Italian cardinal tried to offer assurances about the pope's medical condition.

"I don't believe that the situation is alarming," Cardinal Pio Laghi told reporters in Rome.

Yesterday, the curtains in a window of the papal apartment were drawn open, and Pope John Paul was wheeled to the open window.

The 84-year-old pontiff appeared touched by the sight and sounds of thousands cheering below and smiled. Pilgrims from the pope's Polish homeland sang and waved a flag. Others wept or dabbed at tears.

Commenting on the anxious faithful, Vatican Radio said: "The pope appears and the tension dissolves."

Pope John Paul "wanted to show his own nearness to the people," the radio said.

For years, the pope has battled the effects of Parkinson's disease, which hampers control of muscles, including those used in facial expressions, breathing, swallowing and walking.

As the pontiff repeatedly raised his right hand in blessing, a gauzelike bandage could be seen on his arm. Two fingers on his left hand appeared bruised.

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Pope appears briefly at apartment window

Pontiff doesn't speak, gives blessing to cheering crowd

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