Rev. Billy Graham

The Rev. Billy Graham was hospitalized last Saturday with intestinal bleeding, but appears to be improving.

Graham, 88, was admitted to Mission Hospitals for observation about 2:30 a.m. He was listed in fair condition.

Three of Grahamís children, the Rev. Franklin Graham, Anne Graham Lotz and Gigi Graham, stayed with their father Sunday.

Doctors do not consider his illness life threatening. Though no date has been set for his release, family members said they hoped he would be able to go home soon.

Grahamís doctors say the bleeding may have been the result of diverticula, small pouches that can form in the lower intestine and can become irritated and bleed.

A spokeswoman for Graham noted that he had encountered a similar problem during a religious crusade in Toronto in 1995.

The elderly evangelist suffers from a number of health conditions, including Parkinsonís disease and age-related macular degeneration. In recent years, his health has caused him to remain largely confined to his home in Montreat.

Grahamís wife, Ruth Bell Graham, died in June following a lengthy illness.

Franklin Graham praised Mission Hospitals, which has treated his father for numerous accidents and illnesses over many years.

He also extended his grattitude to the community for its thoughts and prayers during Grahamís hospitalization.