Pope Francis Releases First Audio Message from Hospital Amid Health Concerns

Pope Francis has released his first audio message since being hospitalized, thanking well-wishers for their prayers. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been receiving treatment for pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, sounded weak and breathless in the recording.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. I am with you from here,” Francis said in his native Spanish during the message, which was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.
He also offered a blessing, saying, “May God bless you and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you.” However, his voice faded at times, showing the strain on his health.
Faithful Catholics have gathered daily in St. Peter’s Square to pray for Pope Francis’s recovery. On Thursday, the crowd applauded upon hearing his message, showing their continued support.
According to the Vatican, the pope’s condition is stable, with no repeat of Monday’s respiratory failure. His blood tests remain normal, and he continues breathing exercises and physiotherapy.
Although he is still under close medical supervision, he has been able to do some light work in the mornings and afternoons.
The Vatican has been providing twice-daily updates on Pope Francis’s condition. However, due to his stable progress, the next medical report will be released on Saturday.
Doctors are still maintaining a reserved prognosis, meaning they are cautious about making predictions on his recovery.
Pope Francis, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, has been using an oxygen mask at night to assist his breathing. However, he has now switched to a nasal cannula, a lighter oxygen therapy method.
The pope has not been seen in public since his hospitalization, making this his longest absence from public view as pontiff.
He missed the Ash Wednesday service, marking the beginning of Lent, but participated in a private blessing from his hospital suite.
While he has previously appeared on the Gemelli Hospital balcony for his weekly Angelus prayer, he has now missed three Sundays in a row. It remains unclear if he will make an appearance this weekend.
The Vatican confirmed that Cardinal Michael Czerny will lead Sunday’s mass, replacing Pope Francis. This event is part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, dedicated this weekend to volunteers.
Pilgrims are expected to pray outside the hospital on Saturday, just as they have since the pope’s admission.
Pope Francis was initially diagnosed with bronchitis, but it later developed into pneumonia in both lungs, raising serious concerns worldwide.
On February 22, he suffered a severe respiratory crisis, followed by a bronchospasm attack on February 28. His most critical moment came on Monday, when he experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure due to mucus buildup in his airways.
This latest health scare has reignited speculation about whether Pope Francis might step down, following the example of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. However, the Vatican has not made any statement regarding a possible resignation.