ROME - 14 February 2005 - 222 words
Pope greets Sunday pilgrims
Pope John Paul II appeared at his window for his traditional blessing yesterday for the first time since leaving hospital on Thursday.
Holding up a trembling hand to greet the pilgrims, he said a few barely audible words but looked alert.
His address, read by a member of the Vatican household, said: "I would like to thank you - and those many following on radio and television - for your closeness, affection and above all prayer during my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Polyclinic.
"I always need your help before the Lord, for carrying out my mission that Jesus entrusted to me."
The Pope also appealed for the release of the Italian journalist, Giuliana Sgrena, and other hostages held in Iraq.
At the end of the appearance, the Pope said: "Good Sunday to everybody. Thank you."
Organizers of this year's World Youth
Day in Cologne, said on Friday that they are still expecting Pope
John Paul II to attend the event this August. Heiner Koch, secretary-general
of World Youth Day 2005 said: "We pray for a rapid recovery
of the Pope. The Pope will come to Cologne. The preparations are
still going on."
Source: VIS/WYD
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