Prayers for Nelson Mandela as he remains in hospital

Prayers have been said in churches across South Africa for former President Nelson Mandela, who has spent a second day in hospital for treatment for a lung infection. Officials have provided no update since Saturday when his condition was described as serious but stable. 

However, the BBC correspondent in Pretoria said relatives who visited him Sunday appeared in a positive mood. Mr. Mandela, who is 94 years old, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital early on Saturday. The presidency said he had been ill for some days. It is the third time this year he has been admitted to hospital.

Hundreds of worshippers attended Mass Sunday at Soweto's Regina Mundi church, famous for its role in the anti-apartheid campaign. Mr. Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, cancelled a scheduled appearance in London on Saturday to remain at her husband's bedside. On Saturday, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said although Mr Mandela was again suffering from pneumonia, he was breathing on his own.