It is reported that Pope John Paul II's recovery from throat surgery is going slower than hoped for, raising more doubts about whether he can resume normal activities.
Vatican sources have also indicated that the 84-year-old Pontiff, who was last seen in public on Sunday, would have to miss the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum on Good Friday.
The Pope, who also suffers from Parkinson's Disease, had hoped to be able to attend the ritual in Rome.
His audiences, including Wednesday general audiences, have effectively been suspended until further notice.
Several newspapers in Italy have reported that the Pope's health is worsening after he experienced fresh breathing problems.
Rumours sweep through Rome
Rumours swept through Rome last night that he was being taken to hospital for a third time in seven weeks.
The Il Messaggero newspaper quoted the Pope's private secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, as telling another priest 'pray for the Pope, because he's getting worse'. The Rome daily went on to report that 'the Pope's overall condition is more serious today than it was when he was in the Gemelli'.
The Pope was brought to the Gemelli Hospital twice last month with acute breathing problems. He had a tracheotomy on 24 February to ease his breathing, and he was discharged from the hospital on 13 March.
The La Republica newspaper said the Pope had a 'day of difficulty' yesterday, adding that his medical team at the Vatican had to clear the tube into his neck.
The Pope's health has overshadowed preparations for Holy Week, the most important in the Church's calendar.
