Pope John Paul II has made his regular appearance at his apartment window in front of thousands of pilgrims at the Vatican.
He held up a hand in greeting and said a few words of welcome but the Angelus prayer was read by an aide, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri.
It is the pontiff's first public appearance since he was discharged from hospital.
The 84-year-old spent nine days as a patient receiving treatment for breathing problems resulting from a cold.
He had apparently obeyed his doctor's orders to stay at home since his discharge from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Thursday.
Last Sunday, he managed a brief appearance at the window of his hospital suite, but there was concern about his weak and hoarse voice.
His brief public appearance today is aimed at showing he still considers himself able to carry out his mission as pontiff.
