Nelson Mandela still critical; bishop prays for leader's 'peaceful, perfect, end'....Another day of unease as South Africans await word on Nelson Mandela

Pretoria, South Africa (CNN) -- After hours of vigils and secret family meetings, South Africans awoke to another day of unease Wednesday as ailing anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela remained hospitalized in critical condition.

Mandela in 1950

"Former President Nelson Mandela's condition remains unchanged in hospital and doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort," the government said in a statement late Tuesday night.

Well-wishers outside his Pretoria hospital hung balloons and signs of support on bulletin boards. The hospital wall was plastered with messages as crowds hovering nearby sang "where is Mandela."

Mandela has been hospitalized since June 8 for a recurring lung infection, and authorities have described his condition as critical in the last few days. READ More...