Vatican officials say Pope John Paul is in stable condition after he was hospitalized late Tuesday with breathing problems brought on by the flu.
A Vatican statement says the 84-year old pontiff received treatment, including respiratory assistance, overnight, at Rome's Gemelli hospital. A spokesman later said he expected the pope to remain in the hospital for a few more days.
The pope had been diagnosed with an acute inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, said the pontiff never lost consciousness, but still has a slight fever.
The pope, who suffers from severe arthritis and Parkinson's disease, came down with the flu on Sunday. He was forced to cancel all of his engagements over the past couple of days.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.