Pope John Paul II's condition continues to improve although it is reported that the 84-year-old Pope would remain in the hospital until at least Thursday as a 'precaution.' According to a spokesman for the Vatican, when he was rushed to Gemelli Hospital last week, he was near death from breathing problems caused by a bout with the flu.

One aide close to John Paul II said that the Pontiff was considering resigning the papacy because of his frail health.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican Secretary of State said the decision would be up to the Pope himself. 'Let's leave that up to the conscience of the Pope,' said Sodano.

'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.

Pope's have rarely resigned in the past. Pope Celestine V stepped down in 1294 while Gregory XII abdicated the Papacy in 1415 when there were two people claiming to be the leader of the Catholic Church.

John Paul II will not attend services this week to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent for Catholics. This is the first time in 26 years that John Paul II has missed Ash Wednesday services.