The Vatican says Pope John Paul is breathing on his own after surgery for breathing difficulties.
Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Friday the pope spent a restful night at Rome's Gemelli hospital following a tracheotomy late Thursday.
He said there was no sign of a lung infection such as pneumonia that could affect the 84-year old pontiff's recovery.
The spokesman said doctors advised the pope not to speak for several days, to help his recovery.
President Bush and his wife Laura have wished the pontiff a speedy recovery.
Pope John Paul was rushed to the hospital Thursday for the second time this month, suffering with breathing difficulties brought on by complications from the flu.
It is not clear when the pontiff will be able to leave the hospital.
Information for this report is provided by AP and AFP.