North Korean leader appears after weeks of speculation

(Vatican Radio) North Korea's official newspaper carried multiple photos of leader Kim Jong Un standing with the apparent aid of a walking stick, today, as state media made the first reports of his public activities in more than 40 days. Kim is seen smiling and gesturing in the photos, which show him with aides at a recently completed residential complex. Kim is dressed in his usual dark suit, and appears to be using a cane for support. Kim’s conspicuous absence from the public eye had led to speculation about the internal stability of the power structure in the country.