Papal Health Update

(From Vatican Information Service)

"(The) Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, released the following statement late this morning to journalists about the Holy Father's health:

"'The Holy Father's general and respiratory conditions show positive developments.

"'The acute laryngeal-tracheitis is regressing and there have been no repetitions of the episodes of laryngospasm that were the reason for his being admitted to the hospital.

"'The Holy Father spent the night resting quietly.

"'At 12 noon tomorrow (Friday - Rome time) a new communique will be published.'

Navarro-Valls arrived at Gemelli Polyclinic shortly before 9 this morning. Following a visit to the papal apartments, he met with reporters, telling them that 'the Holy Father rested well last night, and laboratory results are satisfactory.'

"He said, 'it will be the doctors who decide' how long the Pope will remain at Gemelli. Navarro-Valls, also a (medical) doctor, added that, 'from my experience, I think his stay could be about seven days.'

"Prayers, and wishes for a speedy and complete recovery have arrived from around the world for John Paul II, who was hospitalized in Rome Monday evening with respiratory problems."