Tutu makes ailing Mandela the focus of his prayers

Desmond Tutu (right) greets Nelson Mandela at the entrance of St George's Cathedral in Cape Town on June 23, 1996. By (AFP/File)

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Archbishop Desmond Tutu made ailing leader Nelson Mandela the focus of his prayers Monday, as South Africa's first black president spent a third day in hospital receiving intensive care.

"As the beloved father of our nation ... Nelson Mandela once again endures the ravages of time in hospital our prayers are for his comfort and his dignity," a statement from Desmond and Leah Tutu's foundation said.

Mandela, now 94, was rushed to a Pretoria hospital in the early hours of Saturday for treatment with a lung infection.

His condition has been described as serious but stable.

"We offer our thanks to God for the extraordinary gift of Mr Mandela, and wish his family strength," Tutu said.

Tutu joins legions of local and international personalities wishing the iconic leader a speedy recovery.