Pope's stay in hospital extended - Vatican

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul's stay in hospital has been extended "for a few more days", the Vatican said on Monday.

The 84-year-old Pope was rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital last Tuesday with acute breathing problems brought on by a bout of influenza. The Vatican originally said the Pontiff would spend just a week in hospital.

However, the Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls told reporters on Monday that the Pope's health was continuing to improve, adding that he was eating normally and did not have a fever.

The Pope made a brief appearance from his hospital window on Sunday, sounding hoarse and frail as he blessed the onlookers.

- REUTERS