Pope apologises for sore throat during audience

VATICAN CITY, Sep 5 (Reuters) Pope Benedict apologised to pilgrims and tourists at his weekly general audience today, telling them he would have to struggle to get through despite what appeared to be a bad case of sore throat.

''Excuse me, my voice is a little bit damaged but I will do my best,'' he said at the start of his audience for some 16,000 people in St Peter's Square.

The 80-year-old Pope's voice was hoarse and he coughed several times.

On Friday he leaves on a three-day trip to Austria, where is is scheduled to deliver some 11 speeches.

REUTERS LPB AS1535