Pope John Paul failed in his efforts to talk in public yesterday for the second time in four days, again fuelling widespread concern about his ability to recover from recent throat surgery. The Pope briefly appeared at his window overlooking St Peter?s Square to bless the faithful on the day that he normally holds his audience.

But when an aide put a microphone next to his mouth, he made some sounds, but he was unable to pronounce any words and the microphone was quickly removed. The Pope remained at the window for about four minutes and made the sign of the cross with his right hand to the crowds below before his failed attempt to speak. Italian media reported yesterday that doctors were considering inserting a feeding tube directly into the Pope?s stomach, because he was having great problems swallowing.