POPE Benedict XVI confirmed Cardinal Angelo Sodano in the Vatican's No 2 post yesterday and kept all other top officials, avoiding any immediate shake-up in the late John Paul II's administration.

POPE John Paul II, laid out in the splendid red reserved for papal mourning, showed the signs of suffering on his pale, serene face.

Finally at rest after years of debilitating disease, Pope John Paul II’s body lay in state today in the frescoed Apostolic Palace as the world mourned his passing and the Vatican prepared for the ritual-filled funeral and conclave that will elect his successor.

A drawn-looking Pope John Paul II, unable to preside over Palm Sunday Mass for the first time in his 26-year papacy, appeared at his apartment window to greet tens of thousands of pilgrims who filled St. Peter’s Square today.

Pope John Paul II will leave the hospital this evening, the Vatican announced after the pontiff greeted pilgrims in a raspy voice in his first live address to the faithful since undergoing emergency surgery last month.

POPE John Paul II yesterday made the sign of the cross from the window of his hospital and greeted hundreds of faithful waiting in the courtyard below for the second Sunday since he was rushed back to the clinic with breathing trouble 11 days ago.

A frail Pope John Paul II reappeared today at a window of the hospital treating him for his latest health crisis, giving the world its second glimpse of him since he was rushed back to the clinic with breathing trouble 11 days ago.

A WEAK Pope John Paul made a surprise appearance at his Rome hospital window yesterday, reassuring Catholics worldwide as an aide at the Vatican presided for the first time at his weekly blessing.

Pope John Paul II made a surprise appearance from a hospital window in Rome today, waving to the faithful just after a top Vatican official on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica read a statement from the pontiff asking for prayers.

POPE John Paul II vowed yesterday to continue his mission despite his latest health crisis, telling the faithful from the hospital in a message read by an archbishop that he was grateful for their prayers and affection.

Pope John Paul spoke briefly and gave his papal blessing from his hospital window in Rome today.