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Religion

Falwell hospitalized in critical condition

LYNCHBURG, Va. - The Rev. Jerry Falwell was hospitalized with breathing difficulties and placed on a ventilator Tuesday in a recurrence of a viral infection that left him in critical condition, hospital and church officials said.

"His cardiac status is stable and there is no evidence of a heart attack," said Tom Urtz, spokesman for Lynchburg General Hospital, reading from a statement. "He is alert and responding to questions."

Falwell, 71, was admitted to the hospital suffering from "respiratory arrest," the hospital said in a statement. He was put on a ventilator and stabilized but remained in critical condition, the statement said.

"Reverend Falwell is clinically stable, but is still critically ill," Urtz said.

Ron Godwin, Falwell's executive assistant, said Falwell was "on a respirator and he's resting comfortably."

"It's a reoccurrence of the viral pneumonia," Godwin said.

Doctors said they expected to have a clearer prognosis today.

Godwin told the News & Advance of Lynchburg that Falwell was driven to the hospital Monday night by his wife, Marcel.

"He lost consciousness just as they got to the hospital," Godwin said. "He slumped over as they were getting there."

But Godwin said Tuesday evening that when he visited Falwell, he was responsive.

Falwell is the founder and chancellor of Liberty University and one of the nation's leading religious figures.

The hospitalization is Falwell's second this year. He was treated in late February and early March while battling pneumonia.

[Last modified March 30, 2005, 01:04:14]