In the media there were more rumors about the fact that John Paul II lost his voice for good. They were cut by a recording broadcasted by Vatican television. “Va bene, va bene”, or “Good, good” – these were the first words of this recording. The first words the world heard after the tracheotomy procedure. The recording was made on March 11, during the morning Mass, which John Paul II celebrated in the hospital chapel. A blessing was also heard in this recording – says Archbishop Mokrzycki. The voice was weak and hoarse, and the words were blurred. But, they were understandable. Besides, the Holy Father has been saying this way since the beginning of March; only very softly.
Rodolfo Proietti, head of the team of doctors who were taking care of the Pope at the Gemelli clinic, told the newspaper L’Avvenire that for him the joyful day was March 11. At that day, he saw John Paul II eating with delight a Sicilian cone with cream. I was speechless and did not believe my own senses – he recalled. When John Paul II with a big smile said: “Delicious, very delicious. Thank you, thank you.” The Pope swallowed normally and could pronounce a few words.
Two days later, no one had any doubts. John Paul II spoke from the window of the Gemelli clinic. He thanked the pilgrims. He greeted Wadowice. He wished everyone a good week. The Archbishop assures that the Holy Father spoke live. It was not prerecorded.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
