VATICAN: Pope John Paul made a brief surprise appearance at the window of the pontifical apartment in St Peter's Square yesterday.
Looking weak and weary, the Pope blessed the pilgrims and tourists gathered below him in the square as he sat for less than a minute at the open window.
Yesterday's appearance by the Pope, albeit brief, was not expected.
On Tuesday, the Vatican had cancelled his weekly Wednesday public audience, prompting further alarm about his allegedly fast-deteriorating health. Furthermore, for the first time in his 27-year pontificate, the Pope will take little or no part this week in the Vatican's Easter ceremonies.
The 84-year-old Pope is currently recovering from a tracheotomy operation undergone at Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 24th and intended to relieve acute breathing problems. Although the Pope was dismissed from hospital 10 days ago, he would appear to be making a slow and tedious recovery, judging by his ever more frail appearance.
Given the Pope's remarkably tough physique, his immense will power and his cast-iron faith, it remains possible that he will make other symbolic showings over the next few days.
It is hoped by the Vatican authorities that he will be able to bestow his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Easter Sunday blessing via a televisual link-up in the pontifical apartment.