Vatican release video of Pope speaking

The Vatican released a video today with Pope John Paul speaking, the first time the pontiff has been heard publicly since his throat operation to help him breathe on February 24.

The video was made of a meeting with Tanzanian bishops in the pope’s Rome hospital room today.

He said a few words in a husky voice, including “vac been,” Italian for “OK.”

The 84-year-old pope was shown seated during a Mass with the prelates. His voice reciting a prayer was barely audible.

The two bishops were shown telling him in English that Tanzanians are praying for him and love him. He responded with the two Italian words.