Asked whether the Pope was suffering from problems with his
heart or lungs, he said: "That's not at all true. The Pope's
lungs and heart are healthy."
Early on Thursday, well-wishers attended Mass at a chapel
inside the hospital to pray for the Pope's recovery.
Mohammed Nour Dachan, president of the Italian Islamic
Union, visited the hospital and told reporters mosques around
Italy would hold services for the Pope's recovery on Friday.
Ironically, Thursday was the feast of St Blaze, the saint
Roman Catholics pray to if they have throat problems.
Elected Pope in 1978, Karol Wojtyla has taken his message
far beyond the confines of the tiny Vatican state, playing a
vital role in the downfall of communism in Europe and working
tirelessly to improve relations between religions.
Now the third longest-serving Pope in history, John Paul is
also controversial for some, drawing criticism from the liberal
wing of the Church and elsewhere for his resolute opposition to
contraception, gay marriage and women priests.
Each time his health falters, speculation bubbles up over
his possible successor and whether he will be from the
developing world, where the Church is expanding.
John Paul, the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years, has
himself appointed nearly all the cardinals who will enter the
conclave to elect his successor, thus stacking the odds that
the next Pope will not tamper with his teachings.
(Additional reporting by Crispian Balmer and Phil Stewart)
