Pope has lost 19 kilos (42 pounds) since operation

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2005

VATICAN CITY (AFP) — Pope John Paul II has lost 19 kilogrammes (42 pounds) in a few weeks and there is great concern over his chances of recovery, a Vatican source said as Church opinion-makers questioned whether he should carry on appearing in public.

Doctors began feeding the pontiff through a nasal tube on Wednesday, the Vatican announced, admitting that his recovery from a throat operation was "slow."

"He has lost an estimated 19 kilos" since undergoing an operation on February 24 to insert a breathing tube in his throat, said the source on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Four nurses were doing 24-hour shifts to take care of the once robust pope nicknamed "God's Athlete," the source told AFP.

There was "great concern" in the Vatican...