Pope John Paul II has blessed crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome on Easter Sunday but he was unable to speak.

The 84-year-old Pope appeared at his window after one of his senior cardinals performed Easter mass.

It was the first time in his 26-year papacy that the pontiff did not preside over the Easter Sunday service.

The last time he spoke in public was two weeks ago on the day he left hospital after a tracheotomy to relieve severe breathing problems.

(CRI.com March 28, 2005)