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Pope Addresses Abortion in First Address since Hospitalization

VATICAN CITY, February 7, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In his first public address since hospitalization, Pope John Paul II addressed Catholics Sunday, exhorting the faithful to continue the battle for the right to life of the unborn.

Pope John Paul made the address from his hospital window at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, to those gathered in a courtyard there, and broadcast via four television screens to St. Peter's Square.

“Today I address you from Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic,” he began, as reported by the Vatican Information Service, where “. . . even here in the hospital, in the midst of other sick people, to whom I send affectionate thoughts, I continue to serve the Church and all of humanity.”

After expressing his thanks to hospital staff, Pope John Paul exhorted Catholics everywhere and especially in Italy, to work to protect the right to life of the unborn.

Pope John Paul called on all people to “trust in the life that children who are not yet born silently cry out for,” according to a CBC report.

“With special consideration, I am thinking of the beloved Italian people and everyone who has at heart the defense of nascent life. I am especially close to the Italian bishops; may they continue to exhort Catholics and all people of good will to defend the basic right to life, in respect for the dignity of every human person.”

Meanwhile, Holy See Press Office director Joaquin Navarro-Valls read a bulletin to journalists today at noon.

“The Holy Father's condition continues to improve,” he said, according to the Vatican Information Service. “He no longer has a fever, eats regularly and spends several hours a day in an armchair next to his bed.”

Navarro-Valls said the Pope has been advised to remain in hospital several more days. There will be an update on his health status again on Thursday, he said.

Navarro-Valls added, “the Pope celebrates Mass daily in his room to which members of the medical staff are invited.” He also said, “The Holy Father glances at the newspapers to – as he says – ‘follow the evolution of my health’.”

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