The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope John Paul II is receiving nutrition through a tube in his nose and that the 84-year-old pontiff's recovery from throat surgery last month has been slow.

According to a Vatican spokesman, the tube was given to the pope in order to 'improve his calorie intake' and help give him more strength.

The tube is called a nasogastric tube and it is not uncommon for people requiring supplemental nutrition. Liquid food is given to the patient and goes directly to his stomach through the tube. The tube does cause some minor discomfort but the patient can still speak and even eat while the tube is in place.

Pope John Paul was last seen publicly attempting to address a crowd in Saint Peter's Square earlier this week. He was unable to make himself audible and just made the sign of the cross to bless the crowd before leaving the window.

Vatican spokesman also said the pope remains active in the business of the church even if he is not able to make many public appearances. In a statement, the Vatican said that through his aides, the pontiff is 'following directly the activities of the Holy See and the life of the church.'