Pope blesses faithful from Vatican window

Pope John Paul II is reportedly not responding well to medication, but he briefly appeared at his studio window to bless the faithful in St Peter’s Square today.

The Vatican had said that John Paul would not be holding his traditional general audience today, a sign that he was recovering more slowly than expected from throat surgery aimed at easing a breathing crisis.

But the chief of the Pope’s medical team, reacting to suggestions in the Italian media that the Pope’s health had deteriorated suddenly, ruled out that John Paul might be sent back to the hospital after his discharge 10 days ago.

“No hospitalisation of John Paul II is planned,” said Dr Rodolfo Proietti last night.

But the Apcom news agency, quoting unnamed sources, said that John Paul wasn’t responding well to medication and was vomiting. The agency said the pontiff was suffering from overall weakness and “strong” headaches.

While his physical condition is “fragile,” John Paul is ”perfectly sound mentally”, said Cardinal Camillo Ruini, who stood in for the pope on Palm Sunday. He said the Pope “continues to carry out the acts of government and to assume the major decisions, as he has always done.”

The Pope’s gaunt appearance the few times he has been seen has led to speculation in the Italian media that his condition has suffered a sharp setback.

Vatican officials have denied there has been any sudden crisis, but acknowledge the convalescence may be behind schedule.

Looking gaunt, the Pope appeared at his studio window for about a minute. He raised his hand in blessing a few times but did not speak.

The appearance began nearly 15 minutes after the time the Vatican said it would start. There was no immediate explanation for the delay.

Looking up at the third-floor window were thousands of pilgrims and tourists in the square.