‘Cured’ Pope sent home from hospital

William Cole, Vatican City

He was declared "cured" of breathing spasms which left him bedridden for 10 days and rekindled debate about his ability to continue leading the Roman Catholic Church.

Under heavy security, the 84-year-old Pope was bundled into the vehicle in a covered entrance to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic to shield him from the winter cold.

Police sealed off St Peter's Square to tourists, and hundreds of cheering Romans lined the route to the Vatican.

The Pope's return to the Holy See a hastily arranged procession with a touch of pageantry designed to show the world he has recovered was broadcast live on television.

The bulletproof Popemobile is also equipped with an hydraulic lift, which makes it easier for the pontiff, who walks with difficulty, to get into than a limousine.

Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls announced at midday that the frail Pope had recovered completely from the breathing crisis that led to his urgent admission to hospital on February 1 and that his general condition continued to improve.

Dr Navarro-Valls said a battery of tests including a CT scan a three-dimensional X-ray had ruled out any new illnesses.

The Pope's return to his apartment in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace coincided with the start of a traditional Lenten period of spiritual reflection, when he has no public ceremonies.