Improving Pope hopes to address the faithful

Pope John Paul II’s flu and breathing problems are improving and he is eating regular food, the Vatican said, without giving specifics on when the frail, 84-year-old pontiff might leave the hospital or resume his regular activities.

One event the pope does not want to skip is his weekly Sunday address to the faithful, said papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls. Today, the Vatican is expected to say exactly how the traditional prayers and address will be carried out.