Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Celebrating the Angelus in both St Peter's Square and from the window of his sickbed in the Gemelli hospital, Pope John Paul II surprised everyone by greeting all the faithful who had gathered in the hospital's yard in his voice.

The Pope, who had followed the Angelus on television, appeared at the window of his hospital room. From there he blessed and greeted the crowd standing in the hospital yard, telling them: "Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for your visit. . . . I greet you in Christ. . . . To all, have a good Sunday and a good week." The overjoyed crowd responded by shouting: "Long live the Pope!"

Although sounding tired, the Pope spoke in a good tone of voice. This is the first time that he directly addressed the public. After his tracheotomy, the Vatican Television Center had released some footage showing the Pope briefly speaking with Tanzanian bishops.

As before, Mgr Leonardo Sandri, Substitute of the Secretary of State, read the Pope's thoughts ahead of the Marian prayer. in them, the Holy Father invites young people to take part in Palm Sunday celebrations in St Peter's Square next week. However, given the state of his health, the celebration will be presided by Card Camillo Ruini.

John Paul II also reminded everyone that Palm Sunday is a day of preparation ahead of World Youth Day, which is scheduled for this summer in Cologne, Germany.

Here are the Pope's thoughts before the Angelus:

"Dear brothers and sisters!

"In these days at the hospital I have especially felt the presence and concern of so many media people.

"Today I wish to express my gratitude to them because I know that their work is no small sacrifice, work that has enabled the faithful throughout the world to feel closer to me and to follow me with their affection and prayers.

"In an age of global communication, mass media play an important role. People working in the media carry great responsibilities for they must provide information that is up-to-date, respectful of the dignity of the human person and concerned for the common good.

"In this period of Lent—a time that invites us to heed more thoroughly the Word of God—it is dear to me to think that we can do so through the radio, television and internet.

"I am grateful to all those who are devoted to the new ways of evangelisation using the mass media.

"Let us pray, finally, to Holiest Mary that she may helps us prepare for Holy Week, which starts next Sunday.

"I hope to see many young people take part in St Peter's Square in the solemn liturgy of Palm Sunday, which ideally prepares us for World Youth Day, scheduled for Cologne, Germany."