POPE John Paul vas laid low by a light fever yesterday and called off his weekly general audience, but the Vatican moved fast to scotch any talk of serious illness.
The Vatican's chief spokesman, Dr Joaquin Navarro Valls, said the 75 year old pontiff, whose health in recent years has attracted constant media scrutiny was running a temperature of around 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit).
"We are dealing with a fever of a modest nature which is not causing alarm," Dr Navarro Valls said in a three line statement. "The Holy Father is now resting," he added.
Dr Navarro Valls, who is a trained physician, earlier told reporters that doctors were conducting routine examinations, but there was no immediate need to call off forthcoming engagements.
"The only engagement of the Pope's that has been cancelled is today's general audience. Everything else is confirmed, although obviously it will he reviewed day by day," he said.
The Pope is due to lead a beatification service at St Peter's Basilica on Sunday and visit Siena in central Italy next Tuesday.
On Christmas Day influenza forced the Pope to break off his greetings to the world. He had to move away from the window of his apartment to vomit during the multi lingual address which was being watched by millions of people around the world on live television.
He had intestinal surgery in 1992. In April 1994 he required a hip replacement operation after falling in his bathroom and breaking his thigh.
Despite his ailments, he visited five continents in 1995 and made a gruelling week long trip to Central and South America in February, when he sometimes looked tired. The Vatican vigorously denied rumours that he had been unwell during the trip.
The Pope himself, speaking on the eve of his 75th birthday last May, dismissed any suggestion that he should resign.
"I renew before Christ my willingness to serve the church as long as he wants, abandoning myself completely to his holy will.
leave to him to decide when and how he wants to relieve me of this service," he told pilgrims.
In May 1981 a Turkish gunman, Mehmet Al Agca, shot the pontiff during a general audience in St Peter's Square. He nearly died from wounds to the stomach and hand but was saved by surgery.
In November 1993 the Pope fell down the stairs of his throne during a Vatican audience. He dislocated his right shoulder and wore a soft cast and a sling for several weeks.