VATICAN CITY Pope John Paul cancelled his weekly general audience and other appointments yesterday because he has flu, Vatican officials said, but he later made a brief appearance on his balcony.
The Pope (76) spoke for several minutes from the window of his office overlooking St Peter's Square, where people had gathered for the traditional Wednesday greeting.
His doctor has diagnosed laryngitis of an influenza type and ordered bed rest. Today's scheduled meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister, Mr Jose Maria Aznar, and the Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Alexander Downer, have been cancelled.
