VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis has sent his first audio message since being hospitalized for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago, expressing deep gratitude to those praying for his recovery.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers in the Square for my health,” the 88-year-old pontiff said in Spanish, pausing between words to catch his breath. “May God bless you.”
The brief, two-line message was recorded from Rome’s Gemelli hospital and played during a nightly prayer service at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday.
Stable Condition, But Prognosis Still Guarded
The Vatican reported that Pope Francis remained in stable condition with no new respiratory crises on Thursday. Doctors treating him have decided to suspend daily medical bulletins until Saturday, citing the stability of his condition.
Despite his progress, medical experts still describe his prognosis as “guarded,” indicating that while there have been improvements, he is not yet out of danger. The Vatican’s latest update confirmed that the pope has not had a fever, and his blood test results have remained steady.
Earlier in the week, the Holy See disclosed that Pope Francis had suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation. As of Thursday, he only uses the ventilator at night, receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula during the day.
Working Through Recovery
Despite his illness, Pope Francis continues to fulfill some of his duties. On Thursday, the Vatican announced the appointment of two bishops—decisions requiring his approval. Between treatments and rest, he remains engaged in his responsibilities, a testament to his well-known work ethic.
In addition to medical treatment, the pope has also resumed some physical therapy to aid his mobility. He has used a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection. His history of lung issues, including the removal of part of one lung due to pleurisy as a young man, makes him particularly vulnerable to such illnesses.
Longest Absence from Public View
Since his hospitalization, Pope Francis has not appeared in public—his longest absence from public life since his papacy began 12 years ago. It remains unclear how long his treatment will last.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection affecting both lungs, causing inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult. The Vatican remains cautiously optimistic about the pope’s recovery, with updates indicating steady improvement.
The faithful continue to gather in St. Peter’s Square, praying for the pontiff’s health and awaiting further news.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
