HOLY FATHER GREETS FAITHFUL FROM HIS STUDY WINDOW

VATICAN CITY, FEB 3, 1998 (VIS) - At 10:30 this morning Pope John Paul appeared at his study window overlooking St. Peter's Square, and told the faithful gathered below that "a seasonal illness has forced me to suspend all activity these days. Today, however, I can't miss the occasion to address you who have come for the weekly Wednesday audience."

Continuing his brief address, he said: "Dear brothers and sisters, I greet you with affection. May the Lord, whom we contemplated as the Light which illuminates the path of salvation of every man, shine in the life of each of you and fill it with his joy and peace. I send a special greeting to the deacons of the archdiocese of Milan and all the priests and religious present.

"I would also like to send cordial greetings to those who are greatly suffering from the cold, above all the homeless, the earthquake victims, the ill, elderly and children. May the necessary aid be there for each of you.

"I hope that, as the well known proverb says, 'With yesterday's feast of light, winter is on its way out', the beautiful and warm days of sun will soon return. May the Lord bless you in a special way."

After these words the Holy Father briefly greeted pilgrims in French, English, Spanish and Polish.

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