John Paul II

In a message read out by an archbishop, the 84-year-old pope -- looking rested and alert -- gave thanks for the prayers and affection he has received since he was rushed to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic Feb. 1 with breathing trouble brought on by the flu.

On St. Peter's Square, where several thousand pilgrims and Romans gathered to see the pope on four giant video screens, cheers went up as his image appeared -- the first public glimpse of John Paul II since his hospitalization.

"In this hospital, in the middle of other sick people to whom my affectionate thoughts go out, I can continue to serve the church and the entire humanity," the pope said from the hospital in remarks read in Italian by Archbishop Leonardo Sandri.

"Today I speak to you from the Gemelli Polyclinic where I have been for a few days, being helped with loving care by doctors, nurses and health workers whom I thank from my heart," the pope's message said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 12, 2005
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