Vatican City, Holy See:
After spending nearly three weeks in the hospital battling pneumonia, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to those who have been praying for his recovery in an audio message released on Thursday.
In his message broadcasted in St Peter’s Square, Francis said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.” His voice was breathless and some words faded away into nothing as he spoke in his native Spanish.
This was the first time the public heard from Francis since his admission to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14.
Pilgrims have been gathering in St Peter’s Square every evening to pray for the pope’s recovery. The Vatican reported on Thursday that the 88-year-old pontiff is in a “stable” condition.
Despite experiencing respiratory issues earlier in the week, Francis has been diligent with his breathing exercises and physiotherapy. The Vatican has been providing daily updates on his health, with the latest bulletin stating that the next update will be released on Saturday.
During his hospital stay, Francis has been using oxygen support to aid his breathing. He has also been receiving high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula.
Francis has been absent from public view since his hospitalization, missing important events like the Ash Wednesday celebrations. Cardinal Michael Czerny will stand in for him during this weekend’s mass marking the first Sunday of Lent.
The Vatican has called for prayers and support for the pope during this challenging time, with pilgrims gathering outside the hospital to show their solidarity.
Francis’s health has been a topic of concern, especially after experiencing multiple respiratory crises in recent weeks. Despite the challenges, the Vatican has not indicated any plans for the pope to step down.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
