Good-Spirited Pope Resumes Some Business

Pope John Paul II was in good spirits Saturday and has resumed some papal business from his hospital bed while recuperating from an appendectomy four days earlier, doctors said.

The 76-year-old pontiff looked over some files brought to the hospital by aides, said Dr. Luigi Ortona, a member of his medical team.

“The pope is in an excellent mood,” he said.

Doctors removed John Paul’s appendix, which they said was inflamed and had caused bouts of fever and nausea. He was expected to leave Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in a few days.