In a sign of the decline of Pope John Paul II's decline, several cardinals from the US and Latin America said they were heading to Rome.

Pope John Paul’s condition is improving and he is expected to make his weekly address from his Rome hospital bed on Sunday, the Vatican said today.

Pope John Paul II was responding well to treatment after being taken to a Rome hospital with breathing problems brought on by the flu, the Vatican said.

FRAIL and laid low by flu, Pope John Paul II will spend a few more days in the hospital after being rushed there with breathing problems.

Pope John Paul’s condition stabilised today after he was rushed to hospital with breathing trouble, but the flu-stricken pontiff will spend several more days at the clinic, the Vatican said.