Pope returns to Rome Hospital

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John paul II has suffered a relapse of his flu condition and has been re-admitted to a Rome hospital with breathing difficulties.

Just earlier this month the Pope was hospitalised for ten days due to throst spasms caused by the flu, however he was thought to be well enough to return home on the 10th February - just two weeks ago.

Many of the Pope's supporters had believed that he was recovering well after twice greeting well-wishers at his Vatican window, however, his condition has deteriorated somewhat.

Joaquin Navarro-Valls, a Vatican spokesperson reported that on Wednesday the Pope had been suffering from a return of the same flu symptoms he had suffered earlier this month. He continued by saying that the Pope had now returned to hospital for further specialist treatment on Thursday morning.

Catholics are now anxiously awaiting a medical bulletin update on the Pope's condition, but one is not expected to be released until Friday.

Reports have suggested that although the Pope was conscious when arriving at the hospital, he was suffering from a fever and looked uncomfortable.

The return to hospital has come suddenly for many people, as just on Wednesday he gave a 25-minute 'Virtual' address to thousands of Catholics by TV-link from the Vatican study room. During his recent illnesses the Pope missed both a consistory and an Ash Wednesday Service for the first time in his 26 years as Pope.

The recent displays of the Pope's physical frailness have once again re-ignited cries by many for him to resign from his position. Many have said that the appearance of the Pope, trembling and tiring so quickly in his public appearances prove that he is no longer fit for his vital position to the Catholic Church. However, his most avid supporters still remain faithful that a Pope should not quit and thet Pope John Paul II is still ok to continue.