A Colombian Catholic cardinal says Pope John Paul is "very serene" as he recovers from surgery for what the Vatican says are flu-related breathing difficulties. Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo spoke Friday after visiting the 84 year-old pontiff at Rome's Gemelli hospital. On Thursday, the pope was brought to the hospital for the second time this month and underwent a tracheotomy. That surgery consists of creating an opening inside the patient's windpipe and inserting a tube to relieve breathing difficulties. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said doctors advised the pope not to speak for several days, to help his recovery. Rome's chief rabbi also visited Gemelli Hospital on Friday to inquire about the pope's health and to say he is praying for his recovery. Meanwhile, President Bush has wished the pontiff a speedy recovery.
