The Vatican announced this morning that Pope John Paul II has been readmitted to Gemelli hospital with a relapse of the flu, which sent him to the hospital for ten days on February 1st.

Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls told journalists this morning that, "As of yesterday afternoon, Wednesday February 23, the Holy Father showed signs of a relapse of the flu syndrome which had affected him in preceding weeks. For this reason the Pope was admitted this morning to Gemelli Polyclinic for opportune specialized treatment and for further tests."

The Pope’s return to the hospital comes after yesterday’s Wednesday audience; the Holy Father’s longest public appearance since leaving the Gemelli. He spoke via television to thousands of pilgrims for approximately 25 minutes.