Pope Francis released a brief audio message expressing gratitude for the outpouring of prayers he has received during his three-week hospitalization for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff spoke in his native Spanish, delivering a 29-word message with a gravelly, pained voice.
The message was recorded earlier today and played at the start of the nightly rosary service in St. Peter’s Square, which marks the first time any audio has been released from the pontiff since his hospitalization began. The Vatican said Francis’ condition remains stable, with no new episodes of respiratory failure since March 3.
Francis’ doctors reported that he had remained in stable condition for another day, and that his blood pressure and other bloodwork remain normal. The pope is continuing to receive physical therapy to improve his mobility and has been able to eat solid food.
The nightly vigils in St. Peter’s Square, led by Rome-based cardinals, began ten days ago and have drawn several thousand attendees. Tonight’s release of the audio message comes after a relatively positive update on Francis’ health.
Source: https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/pope-francis-remaining-stable-continues-recover-positive-direction