Pope Returns to St. Peter's , Gives Thanks for Prayers

By Kenneth Chan, Sunday, February 13, 2005

Pope John Paul II thanked the world for praying for his recovery as he delivered Sunday blessing at St. Peter's for the first time since his emergency hospitalization nearly two weeks ago.

"We meet again in this place to praise the Lord," the 84-year-old pontiff said in his message, as reported by the Associated Press. "I would like to thank you — and those many following on radio and television — for your closeness, affection and above all prayer during my hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic."

As thousands of people packed St. Peter's square to catch a glimpse of the pope, he said, "I always need your help before the Lord, for carrying out my mission that Jesus entrusted to me."

Since being rushed to a hospital Feb. 1 with breathing problems, speculation has mounted that John Paul—who suffers from Parkinson's disease—might resign. However, John Paul repeatedly has said he intends to carry out his mission until the end. No pope has resigned for centuries.

During parts of the message on Sunday, the pope spoke, giving the blessing and addressing the crowd at the end in a relatively clear voice. “Happy Sunday to everybody;” he said. “Thank you.”