For the first time in Pope John Paul II's papacy, ceremonies leading up to Easter have begun in Rome without his participation.
The 84-year-old Pope, who is recovering from throat surgery after breathing difficulties, appeared briefly at his apartment window this morning.
He gave his blessing to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week.
The Pope has delegated almost all the week's services, including Easter Sunday Mass, to senior cardinals.
