News reports that Nelson Mandela has been readmitted to the hospital over the weekend have sparked prayers across South Africa and throughout the world.  According to a government statement; South African ex-President Nelson Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

As the 94-year-old entershis fourth day in hospital for treatment for a recurrent lung infection the tone across South Africa has changed somewhat - Former Archbishop Desmond Tutu said he was praying for the“comfort and dignity” of Mandela, his friend and fellow Nobel Prize winner. As The Times of London reported, "Mr Tutu’s prayers, which made no mention of a recovery, echoed the feelings of an anxious nation that knows the end is near."

There are signs that his family may have begun to gather at his bedside.  On Monday, Mr Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, visited him. His grand-daughters have also been coming and going, our correspondent says.

The leader's eldest daughter, Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, has returned to South Africa from Argentina, where she is the ambassador, to visit her father. His wife, Graca Machel, cancelled a scheduled appearance in London on Saturday to remain at her husband's bedside.. 

He has been in intensive care since he was admitted to the hospital in Pretoria on Saturday for the third time this year.  In December, Mr Mandela spent 18 days undergoing treatment for a lung infection and gallstones.

Nelson Mandela: Key dates

• 1918 Born in the Eastern Cape
• 1943 Joins African National Congress
• 1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped
• 1962 Arrested, convicted of sabotage, sentenced to five years in prison
• 1964 Charged again, sentenced to life
• 1990 Freed from prison
• 1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize
• 1994 Elected first black president
• 1999 Steps down as leader
• 2004 Retires from public life
• 2010 Last public appearance - at World Cup finals