Pope John Paul II has thanked Jews and Muslims for their prayers for his recovery, in a message to pilgrims at St Peter's Square read out by an aide.
'I want to express special recognition of the closeness of believers of other religions, particularly Jews and Muslims. Some of them wanted to come and pray here at the hospital. And that for me is a comforting sign, for which I thank God,' he said.
The Pope made a brief appearance at his hospital window to give a silent blessing during the traditional Angelus prayers.
The 84-year-old is recovering from a throat operation.
He gave a similar blessing last Sunday when he appeared unexpectedly at a window of his hospital suite.
It is not yet clear if he will be able to return to the Vatican in time for the Easter celebrations.
