The Pope, John Paul II has been told by doctors to remain in hospital for a few more days, but it is hoped now that the Pontiff will return to the Vatican at least by the commencement of Holy Week, 20th March.

Joaquin Navarro-Valls commented that the extended stay is not a sign of a deteriorating illness, and said, "The Holy Father, following the advice of his doctors, will extend his stay in the Gemelli Polyclinic by a few more days, in order to complete his convalescence which is progressing regularly."

The Roman Catholic Holy Week will begin on 20th March and lead up to Easter the following week, when the Pope plans to give his traditional blessings on Easter Sunday.

The Pope returned to Gemelli hospital on February 24th for an operation to help his breathing difficulties. He is now undergoing speech therapy to further aid his recovery.

Many were hoping that Pope John Paul II would be released from hospital today, and this hope led to hundreds gathering beneath his 10th floor window each day this week in anticipation. Their persistence was rewarded on Wednesday when the Pope quickly came to his window and waved to the joyful crowd below. He once again made the sign of the cross before retiring back inside his hospital suite.

The hundreds of followers that had gathered, included people from various countries and even included school children – who all joined together in shouting with joy as the Pope appeared.

However, the latest news of the Pope’s lingering stay in hospital has done nothing to help quieten his critics – who continue to say that he is now incapable of leading sufficiently the worldwide Catholic Church. Some pointed out that even though the Pope currently looks alert, he is still unable to talk publicly, and is still seen trembling due to his symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which have led to a gradual loss of muscle control.

Rome’s Mayor, however, looks forward to the Pope’s full recovery, and plans to aid the good-feeling among the Pope’s faithful by announcing a planned fireworks display for May 18th – the Pope’s birthday.

Mayor Walter Veltroni said, "It will be like all Romans popping champagne corks together."