Rome (AsiaNews) -- The Pope "no longer has any fever" and concelebrates Holy Mass "every day" in his hospital room, as was announced by Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls in today's medical bulletin on the Pope's condition. John Paul II has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital since the night of February 1 for treatment of breathing problems.
The Pope has been advised to remain for several more days in hospital "for precautionary reasons". Navarro then quoted the Pope who stated that he reads the papers "to see how my illness is going". The spokesman also added that the Pope continues to receive numerous get-well messages; he said that the sick and suffering are also confiding in him.
Here is the complete text of the medical bulletin read by the Vatican's spokesman today at noon:
"The Holy Father's general conditions continue to improve: he no longer has any fever, is eating regularly and sat in an armchair for a few hours. For obvious precautionary reasons, the Pope has been advised to prolong his stay at Gemelli Hospital for another few days. A further bulletin will be released Thursday, February 10, at noon."
Dr. Navarro Valls then went on to say: "I can add that the Holy Father continues to receive numerous get-well letters and messages. Many people are confiding their sufferings to the Pope who is keeping everyone in his prayers. The Pope concelebrates Holy Mass every day in his hospital room. Staff members caring for him also take part in the ceremony. I can also say that the Holy Father has been having a look at daily newspapers to see 'how my illness is going', to quote the Holy Father."