Vatican City, Mar 6, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls told journalists today that the Vatican expects the Pope to be back from the hospital in time for Holy Week.
In his statement regarding the Holy Father’s health, Navarro-Valls said that, "The general conditions of the Holy Father continue to improve, which allows the Pope to spend long periods of the day in an armchair.”
He added that no complications have arisen following the Pope’s February 24th tracheotomy surgery.
The Press Secretary also said that, "Continual improvement has been seen in speaking, thanks to the daily rehabilitation sessions”, and that “doctors have prescribed a prudent limitation in the Pope's use of his voice so as to promote a better recuperation of the function of the larynx.”
In answer to questions from the gathered press, Navarro-Valls stated that, "in all probability, the Pope will spend Holy Week in the Vatican." He added, "when the Pope is here he will decide on his participation in the liturgical ceremonies that are scheduled."
The Vatican’s next official update on the Pope is expected on Thursday, March 10.