Holy Father Speaks to Cardinal Ratzinger

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope John Paul II managed to speak in two languages with a top Vatican official Tuesday, the first clear sign the pontiff was regaining his voice after throat surgery.

The meeting with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger reinforced Vatican statements that the 84-year-old pope was making strides in vocal and respiratory therapy less than a week after receiving a breathing tube. It also sent a message that John Paul can remain engaged in key church affairs from his 10th-floor suite at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic hospital.

"The pope spoke with me in German and in Italian," said Ratzinger, a German who runs a powerful Vatican office that deals with issues of Roman Catholic doctrine. "I am happy to say that the Holy Father is fully alert mentally and also able to say the essential things with his voice."

The Wednesday audience has been cancelled, but it is encouraging that he appears to be getting better.

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