Ailing Pope recovers after 'successful surgery'2005-02-25 09:57:33
The 84-year-old Pontiff was given a tracheotomy to ease his breathing. It involved cutting a small opening into the neck and windpipe so air could flow directly into the lungs.
The Pope remains on a ventilator following the "successful" 30-minute operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital.
A statement from the Vatican said: "The operation ended successfully. The immediate post-operative progress is regular."
Medical experts say the tracheotomy will now make speaking even more difficult for the Pope.
The Pontiff is also said to have a fever and is suffering a repeat of the respiratory crisis that forced him to stay in the hospital from February 1-10.
Pope John Paul's health complications began when he was to attend a ceremony to approve sainthood decrees.
At the last moment, aides decided he should watch the event on television and have the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, preside.
However, his health then took a turn for the worse and he was admitted to hospital by ambulance.
It is the tenth time that John Paul has had to be treated at the Gemelli since becoming Pope on October 16, 1978.
Yesterday, he held a "virtual" general audience, addressing pilgrims via a television link from his study after bad weather forced the Vatican to cancel a planned appearance from his window overlooking St Peter's Square.
He spoke in a hoarse voice and read a three-paragraph address which was followed by a greeting in six languages, including his native Polish.
The deterioration of the Pope's health will revive fears throughout the Catholic world that one of the most historic pontificates is nearing an end.
