VATICAN CITY, March 10 (UPI) -- Hospitalized Pope John Paul II's health is improving, but the 84-year-old has acceded to his doctors' advice to remain in the clinic a few more days.
Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Thursday the frail pontiff's recovery from the flu and throat surgery appeared to be on target to allow him to return to the Vatican in time for Holy Week, which runs March 20 to 27.
John Paul appeared at the window of his hospital room Wednesday and blessed a large crowd assembled outside Gemelli Polyclinic hospital, CNN reported. He wore the traditional purple robes worn by Roman Catholic clerics during Lent for the appearance.
He was initially hospitalized Feb. 1 to Feb. 10 with breathing difficulties associated with influenza, and then was re-admitted Feb. 24, when doctors performed a tracheotomy, opening a hole in his throat to ease breathing.
