Pope makes surprise appearance at his window

The Pope made a surprise appearance at a window of his apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square today, his first public appearance since being released from the hospital after throat surgery to ease a breathing crisis.

The 84-year-old pontiff appeared briefly to pilgrims who had gathered on the square on a day when the Pope typically greets the faithful in a weekly public audience. He made the sign of the cross and waved to several thousand pilgrims on the square on a mild March day.