07/02/2005

Pope to remain in hospital on doctors' advice

Pope John Paul II will, according to the Vatican, remain in hospital for "a few more days".

A Vatican spokesperson said that the 84-year-old pontiff was eating well and had no fever.

On Sunday, the crowd cheered the Pope, who appeared briefly at the window of his room in Rome's Gemelli Hospital to give a short blessing. A statement read out by an aide said that that the Pope would continue to lead the Catholic Church for as long as he is able to do so.

The Vatican have said that on medical advice the pontiff would remain in hospital as a precaution, probably until at least Thursday when another statement is expected.

The spokesperson said that the Pope has been sitting up and reading the papers to "follow the evolution of his health".

The ailing Pope, who suffered a laryngeal spasm last week, has had difficulty talking clearly for some time.

(SP/MB)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 April 2005
Two million expected to pay tribute to the Pope
Around two million people are expected to flock to Rome to pay tribute to the late Pope John Paul II, ahead of his funeral, which will take place on Friday morning. The body of the 84-year-old pontiff, who died on Saturday, will lie in state from this afternoon at St Peter's Basilica and members of the public will be able to pay their respects.
01 April 2005
Pope John Paul II in 'grave condition'
Pope John Paul II is in a "very grave" condition, the Vatican confirmed on Friday, as fears grow over his increasingly frail health. The 84-year-old pontiff, who was treated in hospital twice in February after suffering from breathing problems, developed a high fever, caused by a urinary tract infection, last night.
20 April 2005
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his first Mass
Pope Benedict XVI has delivered his first Mass in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel this morning with the cardinals who elected him yesterday. Benedict XVI admitted to feeling a “sense of inadequacy and human turmoil” at the responsibility of becoming the 265th Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
02 February 2005
Pope in stable condition in hospital
According to the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's condition has stabilised, but the 84-year-old pontiff who was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital has required medical treatment for a respiratory condition overnight. Pope John Paul II developed breathing difficulties after a bout of flu became more serious.
18 April 2005
Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope
Preparations are under way to begin the process of electing the successor to the late Pope John Paul II. Roman Catholic cardinals held a special mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome this morning.