A weak and breathless Pope Francis has issued his first-ever audio message for the people from a hospital bed.
According to Associated Press, Frances recorded a special message to extend his gratitude for the people for their prayers for his good health and recovery as his hospitalisation continued for the third week.
Pope recorded a message in his native Spanish language on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in a weak voice from the hospital while the recording was broadcast when people gathered in St. Peter's Square for their nightly recitation of the rosary prayer.
Related: Pope Francis' respiratory failure sparks widespread concern
In the beginning of the prayers, the cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, told the people that he had a “beautiful news, beautiful gift” for them, to which the crowd was delighted and broke into applause.
The 88-year-old 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.”
After hearing Francis’ final “Gracias,” the people gathered for the prayers applauded again, and Artime bowed his head to show his respect for the pope.
For the unversed, Francis was admitted into Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, due to the respiratory issues, which later turned into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.
Related: Pope Francis rests peacefully after ‘sudden worsening’ of breathing
