Pope gives Angelus blessing from hospital room

Vatican City, Feb 6, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Yesterday at noon, Pope John Paul II appeared at the window of his hospital room for the recitation of the Angelus, which he had hoped to preside at.

He said a blessing for the faithful gathered in the courtyard of Gemelli hospital as well as in St. Peter's Square where four massive television screens transmitted the Marian prayer. Substitute of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, read a message from the Pope and led the Angelus, following which the Holy Father imparted his apostolic blessing.

"Today I address you from Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic," the Pope’s message began, "where, for several days, I have been cared for with loving solicitude by doctors, nurses and health personnel, whom I thank with all my heart.”

I hope that the expression of my thanks for your sincere affection, which I have felt so intensely during these days, reaches you dear brothers and sisters, and everyone around the world who has been close to me."

The Holy Father assured the faithful of his prayers for them "according to your intentions, as well as for the needs of the Church and the great causes of the world. Thus, even here in the hospital, in the midst of other sick people, to whom I send affectionate thoughts, I continue to serve the Church and all of humanity."