Faithful pray: Vatican insists ‘no cause for alarm’ as ailing Pope remains in hospital

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.

Although the Vatican insisted there was “no cause for alarm”, officials said yesterday doctors were on guard for complications.

Keeping the 84-year-old Pope in hospital will afford “many means to stay ready for any complications”, said Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, head of the Vatican’s healthcare office.