A South African congregation adds its voices to the many praying for Nelson Mandela's recovery.
The 94-year-old former president was hospitalized for a lung infection more than a week ago and also underwent surgery to remove gall stones.
The Regina Mundi Church in Soweto is the nation's largest Roman Catholic church and served as a safe place for activists to discuss political ideas during apartheid.
Many here see Mandela, who led the country's post-apartheid reconciliation, as a hero.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SOWETO RESIDENT, JOE MOTSOGI, SAYING:
"We pray for him, but if by any chance God takes him somebody must take this torch and light the way that he has done in his difficult times."
Mandela has mostly been removed from public life for the past decade and has spent most of his time in his home town of Qunu.
