Pope John Paul II makes surprise appearance at window of his hospital room
{{date|February 27, 2005}}

Pope John Paul II made a surprise appearance at the window of his 10th floor hospital suite at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and waved to onlookers, shortly after he missed the weekly Angelus blessing for the first time in his 26-year papacy. It was his first public appearance following his tracheotomy on Thursday.

Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute Secretary of State of the Vatican, performed the weekly Angelus blessing in the Pope's absence. He also read a message written by the Pope. "I ask you to continue to follow me with your prayers," it said.

The pope's appearance was broadcast worldwide on television and was shown on a giant screen in St. Peter's Square.

{{haveyoursay}}
== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000087&sid=a2P58rZ6hb4Q&refer=top_world_news
 |title=Pope's Blessing Given by Aide; John Paul at Window
 |author=Adam L. Freeman
 |pub=Bloomberg
 |date=February 27, 2005}}
*{{source|url=http://radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/International/nouvelles/200502/27/001-JPII-Fenetre-Dimanche.shtml
 |title=Jean-Paul II apparaît à la fenêtre
 |author=
 |pub=Radio-Canada
 |date=February 27, 2005}}

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[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:The Vatican]]
[[Category:Pope John Paul II]]
[[Category:Rome]]
Pope John Paul II made a surprise appearance at the window of his 10th floor hospital suite at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and waved to onlookers, shortly after he missed the weekly Angelus blessing for the first time in his 26-year papacy. It was his first public appearance following his tracheotomy on Thursday.

Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute Secretary of State of the Vatican, performed the weekly Angelus blessing in the Pope's absence. He also read a message written by the Pope. "I ask you to continue to follow me with your prayers," it said.

The pope's appearance was broadcast worldwide on television and was shown on a giant screen in St. Peter's Square.
Religion Europe The Vatican Pope John Paul II Rome