Pope John Paul II made a fleeting appearance at his window Wednesday amid growing concern over his health. The Italian news agency ANSA said the 84-year-old pontiff was at the window of his private apartment in the Vatican Palace for about 45 seconds. He smiled and moved his right hand repeatedly in a blessing for the crowd in St. Peter’s Square but did not speak. The pope had canceled his weekly general audience because of his condition, but a large crowd had gathered in the square. ANSA said the pope appeared to be in pain. He underwent a tracheotomy Feb. 24 to ease his breathing, and Vatican officials say his recovery has been slow. © Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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