Pontiff Tells Throng Illness Is Over Crowds in St. Peter's Square cheer Pope John XXIII when he makes his first appearance since he was stricken with anemia. The Pontiff was stricken in the midst of the Ecumenical Council, but now displays some of his old vigor. Crowd gathered outside of Vatican. Pontiff waving from window. Man looking through binoculars. CU nun wearing glasses. Nuns and faithful make the sign of the cross, and the pope blesses the crowd.