VATICAN CITY - The Vatican released a video Friday with Pope John Paul II speaking, the first time the pontiff has been heard publicly since a throat operation last month to help him breathe.

The video was taken of a meeting Friday with Tanzanian prelates in the pope's hospital room. He says a few words in a husky voice, including "va bene," Italian for "OK."

The 84-year-old pontiff is shown seated during a Mass with the prelates. His voice reciting a prayer is barely audible.

The two - Cardinal Polycarp Pengo and Bishop Severine Niwemugizi - are shown telling him in English that Tanzanians are praying for him and love him.

The meeting was an indication that the frail pontiff was stepping up his activities before returning to the Vatican.

The pope's doctors have extended his hospital stay "a few more days" but the Vatican said he still plans to return in time for the start of Holy Week that begins on Palm Sunday.

The Vatican also released a message the pope gave the bishops, urging them to resist programs linking economic aid to the promotion of sterilization and contraception and reaffirming the view that sexual abstinence outside marriage is the surest way to limit the spread of AIDS.