Pope John Paul II has made a brief Easter Sunday appearance to bless the faithful, but the most joyous day in the Christian calendar will be tinged with sadness and uncertainty because of his frail health. Aides had brought a microphone to the Pope's mouth. He made a few sounds but was unable to pronounce any words.
The Pontiff appeared at a window in the Vatican, and looked to be struggling with his breathing. His participation was reduced to the minimum in order to allow him to conserve his strength and continue his recovery from a tracheotomy to relieve severe breathing problems on February 24th.
The Easter Sunday mass in St Peter's Square will be said by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Pope's secretary of state.
The Pope, who returned to the Vatican from hospital on March 13th, delivered his Easter "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing, by waving to the crowds, but did not speak. The last time he spoke in public was two weeks ago on the day he left hospital.
An aide, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, read the Pope's Easter message for him and read Easter greetings in many languages. The Pope missed an Easter Vigil service last night but wished the world peace in a message read for him. "I assure you of a thought in the prayer that the risen Lord will bring each one of you and your families and communities the Easter gift of His peace."
The crowd packed into St Peter's Basilica broke into poignant applause, understanding that they were attending the first Easter Vigil service not presided over by the Pope in the 26 years since he became Roman Catholic leader.
The Pope spent a total of 28 days in two stints at Rome's Gemelli hospital in February and March. Since he left hospital he has made five appearances, three from his window and two via television.
Vatican sources say his recovery is going more slowly than they had hoped. There is no indication when he might be able to resume normal activities.