Frail Pope makes surprise appearance

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.

Looking stiff and awkward, the 84-year-old Pope waved twice from the 10th floor window of the Gemelli hospital before aides wheeled his chair away.

He appeared for about two minutes with the windows closed and made the sign of the cross toward a small group of people below, some of whom broke into tears when they saw him.