The Vatican said Monday Pope John Paul would remain in hospital for a few more days as his top aide spoke openly about the possibility of the frail Pontiff eventually retiring for the good of the Church.
In its latest health bulletin the Vatican said that although the 84-year old Pope was improving, he would stay in Rome's Gemelli hospital at least until Thursday as a precaution.
He was rushed there just before midnight last Tuesday with acute breathing problems brought on by a bout of influenza. The Vatican originally said he would spend just a week in hospital.
His latest hospitalization once again revived debate on what the Church would do if he became permanently incapacitated and raised speculation that he might decide to retire instead of rule for life as Pontiffs traditionally do.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State, was asked at a Vatican event Monday night if the latest health problems had made the Pope reflect on possible retirement.
"Let's leave that up to the conscience of the Pope," said Sodano, who in the past has brushed off talk of Papal retirement.
"If there is a man of the Church who is guided by the Holy Spirit, if there is a man who loves the Church more than anyone else, if there is a man who is possessed with marvelous wisdom, it is the Pope," Sodano said.
"We have to have enormous faith in him. He knows what he has to do," he added.
Church law says a Pope can resign, but it is a highly rare event. The last Pope to resign willingly was Celestine V, who stepped down in 1294. Gregory XII reluctantly abdicated in 1415 when more than one Pope was reigning at the same time.
At an appearance from his hospital window Sunday the Pope looked very weak, was barely able to recite a brief blessing and relied on an aide to read his message.
Speaking through the aide, he told the faithful he was still "serving the Church and all humanity" even while sick.
Sodano was also asked if the Pope, who suffers from various illnesses, including Parkinson's disease and severe arthritis, could continue to run the Church if he could barely speak.
He said: "Certainly ... unlike in society, in the Church age is very useful. For the Church the wisdom of an old man is a gift."
The Vatican said earlier Monday that doctors would decide Thursday morning about when the Pope could return to the Vatican.
Wednesday, the Pope will miss Ash Wednesday services marking the start of Lent for the first time in his 26-year-old pontificate. American Cardinal James Stafford will preside at the ceremony on the Pope's behalf.
Ironically, another event the Pope looks set to miss is a Mass in St Peter's Basilica Friday to mark the day the Roman Catholic Church dedicates each year to sick people.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was to have seen the Pope Tuesday but will instead discuss the international situation with Sodano.