PHOTO: EAST NEWS/AFP
Pope John Paul II blesses the pilgrims gathered on St-Peter's square, after he launched two doves from the window of his appartment at the end of his weekly Angelus prayer, 25 January 2004 at the Vatican. On World Leprosy Day, the Pope also raised the plight of the many thousands who continue to suffer from the disease, despite a cure being available for decades. AFP PHOTO/Patrick HERTZOG