ROME, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Pope John Paul II appeared at his hospital window in Rome Sunday after missing his weekly blessing of the faithful for the first time in 26 years.
The pope waved to supporters outside the hospital where he is recovering from last Thursday's surgery to ease breathing problems, the BBC reported.
Archbishop Leonardo surgery read a message from the pope and blessed the crowds in St. Peter's Square.
"I ask you to continue to accompany me ... with your prayers," the pop said in the statement.
The pope has always made every effort to give a weekly blessing to the faithful, even after he was shot in 1981 and after intestinal surgery in 1992.
The 84-year-old pontiff has been told by doctors to not even attempt to speak following the surgery.
