Vatican officials say Pope John Paul's fragile health has stabilized, but he will have to stay hospitalized for the time being.
Vatican chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Wednesday the pope was running a slight fever and will remain at Rome's Gemelli hospital for a few more days. Italy's health minister, Girolamo Sirchia, told reporters after visiting the Gemelli hospital the pope is improving and doctors are optimistic about his recovery. The 84-year old pontiff was hospitalized late Tuesday for treatment of an acute inflammation of the respiratory tract brought on by the flu. The pope came down with the flu Sunday and had canceled all of his engagements over the past couple of days.
The pope suffers from Parkinson's disease, which gradually affects control of the muscles, including those of the throat and chest.