Jerry Falwell in Fair Condition, Remains Hospitalized

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of Liberty University, has recovered from the respiratory distress that sent him to the hospital last week, but is not expected to be released until later this week, a director from the hospital said.

"He's in fair condition, undergoing some tests, but we're anticipating he will be discharged later this week," said Tom Urtz, communications director for Centra Health.

"Doctors are still running tests and specifics are protected, but they are trying to pinpoint what was the trigger for his respiratory arrest," explained Urtz.

The 71-year-old television evangelist was sent to the Centra-related Lynchburg General Hospital in respiratory arrest on March 28 and had to be resuscitated. By April 1, Rev. Falwell discontinued all breathing assistance and was getting exercise by walking the hospitals of his hospital unit, according to a release by Centra.

Meanwhile, in comments made to the Associated Press, Ron Godwin, Falwell's executive assistant, said he expects Falwell to be released by the middle of the week.

Falwell's recent hospitalization was his second in recent week. About a month ago, he left the hospital after nearly two weeks of treatment for viral pneumonia, several days of which he spent on a ventilator.