Concern is growing for the health of former South African President Nelson Mandela after his hospitalization for a lung infection. Mandela spent a second night in the hospital Thursday, his third hospital admission in four months. At the White House, President Obama extended his well wishes for Mandela’s recovery.

President Obama: “Obviously we’re all deeply concerned with Nelson Mandela’s health. He’s a hero, I think, to all of us. I’m sure that I speak for the other leaders here. And, you know, we will be keeping him in our thoughts and prayers, and his entire family. He is as strong physically as he’s been in character and in leadership over so many decades, and hopefully he will — he will come out of this latest challenge.”

The South African government says Mandela is in good spirits and is making progress.